San Lorenzo 2019

Located in the heart of Chianti Classico, the Castello di Ama estate spans the hills of Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany, about twenty kilometers south of Siena. The San Lorenzo cuvée's vines occupy high-altitude plots on soils combining galestro, alberese, and stony clays, typical of this historic area. Surrounded by woods and olive groves, the well-ventilated hillsides benefit from a temperate continental climate with significant temperature variations, favoring slow and complete grape ripening and a precise expression of the terroir.

The grapes are harvested manually, carefully sorted, then destemmed before alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with skin maceration to extract color and structure. Malolactic fermentation also takes place in tanks, then the wine is transferred to oak barrels, mostly French, for extended aging aimed at refining the tannins and developing aromatic complexity, before final blending and bottling at the estate.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry, plum, and red berries, complemented by floral touches of violet and dried rose, as well as spicy nuances of pepper, licorice, and clove. Woody accents of cedar, blond tobacco, and vanilla blend with a slightly mineral framework. The palate offers a full and juicy body, supported by lively acidity, firm but polished tannins, and a long, savory, and elegantly structured finish.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!