Wines Chianti Classico Castello di Ama - Chianti Classico Vigneto Gran Selezione San Lorenzo - 2016

Castello di Ama's Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo 2016 is a wine that beautifully expresses the elegance and complexity renowned in Tuscany’s heartland. While precise varietal composition can vary, Gran Selezione bottlings from this appellation are typically driven by Sangiovese, occasionally complemented by small proportions of local or international varieties. The 2016 vintage enjoyed a long, balanced growing season, encouraging optimal ripening and nuanced development. In the cellar, meticulous vinification and careful ageing—often partially in oak—help craft a wine noted for its aromatic depth and refined structure, with classic notes suggesting dark cherries, violets, balsamic hints, and a pleasant mineral backbone.

Chianti Classico itself sits at the core of Tuscany, a region prized for its rolling hills, cypress-dotted landscapes, and centuries-old villages. The soils in San Lorenzo, around the historic Castello di Ama estate, include galestro (marl) and alberese (limestone), delivering minerality and finesse to the wines. A temperate, slightly continental climate, with marked day-night temperature contrast, preserves freshness and expressive aromatics while allowing grapes to ripen steadily. The Chianti Classico area has a significant history as one of Italy’s oldest delineated wine regions, with roots stretching back to the Middle Ages and an ongoing commitment to both tradition and innovation.

Pairing this wine is a pleasure thanks to its fruit vibrance, savoury undertones, and firm yet fine tannins. Local Tuscan cuisine forms a natural match; think bistecca alla Fiorentina (chargrilled Florentine steak), wild boar ragù, or aged pecorino with chestnut honey. The wine’s structure also makes it well-suited to rich tomato-based pasta dishes, game birds, or even rustic stews, where its acidity will cut through the richness and provide a harmonious balance.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Chianti Classico Gran Selezione at 16-18°C. Decanting an hour before serving will help the wine open up, allowing its bouquet and palate complexity to fully express themselves. Enjoy it now for its vibrancy, or cellar it further for added tertiary nuances.