Lamole di Lamole Duelame Chianti Classico DOCG 2023
Medium-bodied Red. A classic, expressive dry red focusing on freshness and early drinkability. · Lamole di Lamole (Santa Margherita Gruppo Vinicolo). This estate is highly regarded for its high-altitude viticulture (reaching up to 650m), which produces wines of elegance and restraint compared to the denser styles of the valley floor.
Vintage: 2023. A challenging but ultimately rewarding vintage in Tuscany characterized by a wet spring and a hot August. The wines are expected to show high aromatic intensity and fresh acidity, though they may be lighter in body than the 2022s.
Type
Medium-bodied Red. A classic, expressive dry red focusing on freshness and early drinkability.
Producer
Lamole di Lamole (Santa Margherita Gruppo Vinicolo). This estate is highly regarded for its high-altitude viticulture (reaching up to 650m), which produces wines of elegance and restraint compared to the denser styles of the valley floor.
Country
Italy. One of the world's most ancient and diverse wine-producing nations, governed by the DOCG/DOC system which emphasizes traditional varieties and specific terroir designations.
Vintage
2023. A challenging but ultimately rewarding vintage in Tuscany characterized by a wet spring and a hot August. The wines are expected to show high aromatic intensity and fresh acidity, though they may be lighter in body than the 2022s.
Region & Appellation
Chianti Classico DOCG, Greve in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy. This is the historic heart of the Chianti region, denoted by the 'Black Rooster' (Gallo Nero) seal, and is part of the prestigious Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive (UGA) framework.
Grape Varieties
Primarily Sangiovese (at least 80%) blended with small amounts of typical local varieties like Canaiolo or Colorino. Expect high acidity, sour cherry notes, and earthy undertones.
Color & Appearance
Bright ruby red with medium intensity and clear transparency. Visible rim showing slight violet highlights indicating youthful freshness.
Aroma Profile
Lifted primary aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and wild violet. Subtle secondary hints of cedar and dried herbs from gentle oak influence, with a characteristic stony mineral undertone.
Tasting Notes
The palate is vibrant and energetic, leading with crunchy red fruit and high acidity. It possesses a linear structure with fine-grained tannins and a savory, salt-flecked finish that reflects its high-altitude origin.
Flavor Profile
Dominant flavors of tart cherry and pomegranate, balanced by savory notes of oregano, black tea, and a subtle crushed-stone minerality.
Body & Texture
Medium-bodied with a lean, elegant texture. It avoids heaviness, remaining fluid and 'vertical' on the palate due to its mountain-grown fruit concentration.
Acidity & Tannins
High, bright acidity that provides excellent lift. Tannins are present but refined and silky, typical of the higher elevation Lamole sub-zone.
Sweetness Level
Dry (Residual sugar typically <2 g/L).
Alcohol Content
Approximately 13.5% - 14%. It provides a gentle warmth but is well-integrated with the wine's acidity and fruit profile.
Aging & Oak
Aged for approximately one year in a combination of large traditional Slavonian oak casks (botti) and some second-use French oak to maintain fruit purity without overwhelming vanilla notes.
Food Pairings
Classic Florentine cuisine: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, pasta with wild boar ragu, pecorino cheese, or wood-fired pizza with tomato and herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 16-18°C (60-64°F) in a Tulip-shaped Chianti/Bordeaux glass. Decanting for 30 minutes is recommended to allow the aromatics to fully open.
Price Range
Approximately $20 - $28 USD. Represents excellent value for a high-altitude, terroir-specific Chianti Classico.
Quality Assessment
89-91 points. A top-tier example of an 'Annata' (standard) Chianti Classico that prioritizes elegance and freshness over power.
Production Methods
Hand-harvested from two different vineyard altitudes ('Duelame' refers to the two blades/heights). Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel followed by malolactic fermentation in oak.
Terroir
The 'Lamole' sub-zone is famous for its macigno (sandstone) soils and terraced vineyards. The high diurnal temperature range preserves acidity and delicate floral aromas.
History & Heritage
The estate was founded in the 1940s and restored by the Santa Margherita group in 1993. It contains some of the oldest pre-phylloxera Sangiovese vines in Chianti (used for their top cuvées).
Interesting Facts
The name 'Duelame' represents the combination of grapes from the lower, warmer slopes and the higher, cooler terraces, creating a balanced blend of ripeness and acidity.
Cellaring Potential
Excellent for drinking upon release but will evolve gracefully over the next 5-8 years. Best enjoyed while the primary fruit is still vibrant.
Similar Wines
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico, Fontodi Chianti Classico, or Volpaia Chianti Classico.