The Tuscan hills between Florence and Siena is Chianti Classico country, and Castello di Ama is one of its most esteemed wineries. The 90 hectares of vineyards that surround the village of Ama were bought in the early 1970s by the Pallanti family, with the first Cru wines produced in 1982. Castello di Ama grapes are predominantly Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Malvasia Nera and Merlot, grown on terraces above the picturesque San Lorenzo valley. Here, the fruit ripens slowly and ages for 12 months, producing Chianti that is exceedingly fine, elegant, intense, long and fresh. Of recent vintages the Castello di Ama San Lorenzo 2017 is one to especially look out for.