Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo 2011

The Chianti Classico San Lorenzo from the Castello di Ama winery takes its name from the valley overlooking the vineyards that supply its grapes. The presence of two 18th-century villas makes the landscape one of the most evocative. The small church dedicated to San Lorenzo, located in the center of the village of Ama, was purchased by the winery. The production regulations require that the grapes come entirely from the company’s own vineyards. The terroir is among the most suitable of all. It faces east/southeast. The soils are medium-textured clay-limestone, which promotes good drainage. The marked temperature variations between day and night ensure good ripening of the grapes and an excellent sugar concentration. San Lorenzo wine has a designation that few can achieve, placing it at the top of the quality pyramid: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG. The grape varieties used to produce Chianti Classico San Lorenzo are 80% Sangiovese, 13% Merlot, and 7% Malvasia. The harvest generally takes place between the end of September and the beginning of October. The Malvasia grapes are vinified first, followed by Merlot and, finally, the Sangiovese. Hand-picking allows the grapes to arrive intact in the cellar, where they are immediately pressed. Fermentation is initiated with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks, with maceration characterized by continuous pumping over. After racking, the wine is placed in barriques for malolactic fermentation. Subsequently, the various batches are assembled and aged in barriques.