Castello di Ama San Lorenzo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018

You might see the words Chianti Classico and think: “What’s so new and exciting about Chianti Classico?” How might a wine my grandmother loved to drink be considered innovative or up-and-coming in the industry?  What more is there to learn about a quintessentially Italian wine like Chianti?  The answer lies in the newest designation of Gran Selezione and with the winemaker of Castello di Ama, Marco Pallanti, who led the charge for the re-structuring of the entire region’s classification system to better showcase the exceptional quality apparent in its terroir and traditional techniques.

Ama can date its grape-growing history back to the 11th century, with special privileges granted by not one but two Holy Roman Emperors.  The original castle that graces this wine’s label sat atop the property’s highest peak at roughly 1600 ft.  The castle was believed to have been destroyed in the 15th century during wartime, only to be resurrected in the early 1700s along with two villas using the original stone.  Despite the land’s rich history, the last four decades have marked the most impactful chapters in the Castello di Ama story.  In the late 70s, four friends embarked on a new journey to re-develop the historic vineyards surrounding this property.  Unbeknownst to them at the time, they would go on to become role models for the whole of Chianti Classico.

The first step of their grand plan included bringing on a young agronomist, Marco Pallanti, in 1982 to oversee the reinvention of the entire property.  Marco researched the microclimates across their 260 hectares for ten years, noting soil composition, sun exposures, and elevations.  His research resulted in the choice to establish homogenous blocks within the 90 hectares of vineyard.  The 50,000 vines planted were re-trellised, and many were grafted to new clones and varietals.  Each clonal and varietal selection expresses the full potential of the plot’s particular terroir.  Simultaneously, the owners built a state-of-the-art winery and cellar, which became a prime example for future wineries to reference.  As the winemaker through this arduous task, Marco fell deeply in love with Ama, its vineyards, and the owner’s daughter, Lorenza Sebasti.  The two wed in the early 90s and now lead the operations at Castello di Ama together.

Marco’s passion for Chianti Classico extends well beyond his personal brand, and he gives back to his community of winemakers through the Chianti Classico Consorzio as their President.  The most impressive work during his tenure was drafting updated designation rules and creating the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione classification.  For three years, Marco, alongside his peers, championed changes to reflect and ensure superior quality in the wines and, in 2014, adopted the new premium level of designation above the Riserva level:  Gran Selezione.  A wine must source the grapes from only estate-owned vineyards, with Sangiovese comprising at least 80% of the blend and the wine having aged at least 30 months in barrel and three months in bottle to qualify for this classification.

The 2018 San Lorenzo is named after the San Lorenzo Valley surrounding the estate’s high-elevation hilltop.  Four blocks within the 90 hectares comprise the fruit, with most of the blend being Sangiovese plus touches of Merlot and Malvasia Nera.  The wine underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel and continued aging in 22% new oak barrels.  Aromas of juicy tart cherry, crushed sage, and sundried tomatoes complement the richly textured palate and bright acidity.  A distinct minerality is present on the palate and rounded by roasted espresso beans and cherry compote flavors.  Embrace the tradition and the innovation of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione with a glass of Castello di Ama’s 2018 San Lorenzo.