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Cascina San Lorenzo Wine Set
November 13, 2020/ Cascina San Lorenzo. All Wine Brands. 6° Six Degrees Cellars; 1749 by Pierre Chainier; Albertoni Vineyards; Allure Winery. Big Guy Wine Cellars. Of course, I like big reds so it was no surprise that the wine from the 'San Lorenzo' vineyard at Costigliole d'Asti was my favourite of the Barberas. This south-facing vineyard is ideal for Barbera and the lower yields (7,500kg/ha, the same as for their Barbaresco) ensure a fuller, richer wine than the others.
Just Arrived. The Super Cuvée Produced from the Grand Cru-Like Vineyards and the Benchmark 2016 Vintage Deliver a Pinnacle Expression of the Fabled Chianti Classico Gran Selezione and Much More…
“I can’t remember the last time I was this excited about Chianti Classico and its wines…the picture-perfect 2016 growing season produced some of the most majestic, viscerally thrilling wines I have ever tasted here [Castello di Ama]. Don't miss them…the Gran Selezione San Lorenzo is a blend taken from Ama's four core estate vineyards…This is such a gorgeous wine.” – Antonio Galloni
No doubt about it, 2016 Sangiovese wines have earned a permanent place in history as a pinnacle expression of Tuscany’s noble varietal and now they have officially arrived! While it was an extraordinary year for Super Tuscans, from Solaia and Sassicaia to Masseto and L’Apparita, you might say 2016 was not only the year of Tuscany, but the year of Sangiovese. And with many eyes quickly setting on the upcoming releases from 2016 Brunello di Montalcino, it was the Sangiovese based wines of the Chianti region that first rewrote the history books and we still seek. Sure, there are the L'Apparita of Flaccianello, Le Pergole Torte, and Percarlo, that made the headlines, but it is the more value driven wines of Fontodi Vigna del Sorbo, Felsina Fontalloro, and today’s featured wine, the super cuvee, 2016 Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo, that have captured our attention
. It is from this historic address, perched on the highest hilltops in the heart of the Chianti region, that Castello di Ama produced some of the “most majestic, viscerally thrilling” wines of the vintage. And as such, many collectors have rightfully gravitated to the media driven 100-point, Merlot-based L’Apparita, as well as the grand cru-like selections of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista and Vigneto la Casuccia. No doubt about it, these are tremendous expressions, but they do come with a price. For IWM, the best way to experience the celebrated wines of winemaker Marco Pallenti and the historic Chianti Classico estate is the more classically produced Gran Selezione San Lorenzo.
The fabled super cuvee is a blend of the estate’s four prized vineyards, including
Bellavista and La Casuccia, resulting in a wine that is more approachable on the palate and in the pocket. The calcareous soil and high-altitude vineyards provide the wine with its unique graphite minerality which complements the generous fruit and purity this wine has built its reputation on. For IWM, the 2016 is another generous expression with the signature structure and minerality of the estate that provides a taste of Castello di Ama and grand cru pedigree at under $45. There is plenty of drinking pleasure here while you wait for the older siblings to come around, and it arrives just in time for the holidays. FEATURED WINE(s): Prized Chianti Classico Gran Selezione of Castello di Ama and More…
*indicates pre-arrival
Castello di Ama is located in the hills of Gaiole, just northeast of Siena, in the heart of the Chianti region. It is here that the prized and historic grand cru-like vineyards of the estate sit between 420 and 527 meters above sea level - among the highest elevations in the region. With a rich history dating back to pre-Roman times, it has long been prized for its land and wine. In 1773, there is documentation from Leopold II, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, stating “Amma where we find the houses of Pianigiani, Montigiani and Ricucci, which are the strongest in all of Chianti... they grow well, they buy and are situated in the best place in Chianti for wine…” Fast forward to modern times and the estate’s philosophy is defined by the land, with a focus on the prized single vineyards Bellavista, La Casuccia, Montebuoni, and San Lorenzo as well as the Gran Selezione classification in Chianti Classico. These are the pinnacle expressions of Sangiovese, not to mention Merlot (L'Apparita). And in 2016, they may have produced their finest wines to date.
Why? It’s simple. 2016, like 2010 and 2013, is a classic year built on harmony and a more balanced growing season, where the wines express rich fruit and depth, but with more finesse and elegance than years like 2011, 2012, and 2015. There is acidity and freshness here from cooler conditions and a longer growing season that is simply awesome – the aromatics alone will transport you to Tuscany and get you excited about the promise these wines have to offer. Antonio Galloni agrees, “A balanced growing season with no shock events produced a set of truly exceptional, highly promising wines. The 2016s are distinguished by their superb aromatic presence, silky tannins, layered fruit and fabulous sense of harmony. The 2016s I have tasted so far point to a high-quality vintage that may very well turn out to be profound.”
Additional Notes and Reviews:
2016 Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo
Christopher Deas, Italian Wine Merchants: “Castello di Ama’s super cuvee is a blend of four vineyards including the prized Bellavista and La Casuccia and it is a pecial expression from the vaunted vintage. It begins with a pronounced nose of black cherry and olives that let you know you are in Tuscany. On the palate this is a whole lot of wine. A mouthful of soft and generous fruit coats the palate, then under that layer of fruit is the signature minerality and structure of this beloved wine. You can expect nuances of black cherries, blackberry, plum, licorice, mint, tobacco leaf, iron minerality and baked earth. There are shades of flavor here, but it is the signature black cherry note that is so seductive and compelling. This is a whole lot of wine you might describe as big and masculine Chianti with a lot of fruit, structure, and layers. It can be enjoyed today with aeration, but the best is yet to come. “
94 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous:“2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Ama San Lorenzo is a blend taken from Ama's four core estate vineyards. Black cherry, graphite, sage, mint, juniper berries and licorice give the San Lorenzo a distinctly dark, brooding profile to match its powerful feel. The big tannins need time to soften, but there is certainly plenty to look forward to. Stylistically, San Lorenzo is closest to Bellavista, with which it shares a decidedly somber feel. This is such a gorgeous wine.”
2016 Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista
98 Point, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: “Ama's 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista is a flat out stunner. Dark and brooding in its first impression, the 2016 races out of the glass with explosive vertical lift. This structured, potent Chianti Classico won't be ready to drink anytime soon, but it is immensely promising. Savory herbs, crushed rocks, chalk and dried flowers add myriad layers of dimension. The 2016 is complex, nuanced and built for cellaring.”
2016 Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia
97 Point, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: “The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is rich, sensual and inviting, as it so often is. The addition of Merlot to Sangiovese yields a Chianti Classico built on textural resonance, with silky tannins, soft curves and tons of sheer allure. The 2016 won't be ready to drink anytime soon, but it is unquestionably a great wine in the making. Succulent dark cherry, red plum, menthol, licorice, cloves and new oak infuse the creamy, voluptuous finish.Drinking window: 2024-2041.”
2016 Castello di Ama L’ Apparita
100 Point, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: “The 2016 L'Apparita, 100% Merlot, is a breathtaking, riveting wine that captures all the potential of the vintage. In this vintage, L'Apparita is especially silky and refined. Layered, perfumed and wonderfully nuanced, L'Apparita is simply epic. Lavender, mint, sage, spice, new leather and cloves develop with time, but more than anything else, L'Apparita is wonderfully complete and magnificently beautiful.”
This is an email ONLY offer. Should you have any questions on these exciting wines, or would like to take advantage of this offer (that is only available until 11:59, Tuesday 11/17, or while supplies last), we are asking that you email orders back to me atchris.deas@italianwinemerchants.com , connect with your Portfolio Manager or mention receipt of this offer if calling the store. All orders are subject to confirmation.
All orders subject to confirmation and IWM is not responsible for typographical errors on pricing.
All my best,