Lots of primary sour cherries, blueberries and spices here. Medium-bodied with cranberry flavors and intense acidity throughout. Little edgy on the finish, but the warmth and generosity to the juicy tannins hold this together. Drink now.

The 2017 Chianti Classico Ama is a terrific wine that opens to a mid-weight feel but produces an enormously expressive bouquet. The hot vintage has shaped warm tones of tilled earth and dark fruit but it is all carefully weighed and in context. The wine is open, accessible and generous. You can't go wrong with this entry-level offering from Castello di Ama, especially with a lentil or spelt soup.