Our Rating
Tuscany
Sangiovese
In a world that often rushes to market, finding a wine that takes its time is a welcome change. The Terzo Movimento Sangiovese 2018 is a Chianti Classico Riserva that does not adhere to the standard commercial clock. Produced by Azienda Agricola La Lama, this bottle represents a commitment to waiting until the wine is truly ready. It offers a distinct counterpoint to fruit-forward, younger styles found elsewhere in Tuscany.
Azienda Agricola La Lama is a small, family-run estate located in the hills of Castelnuovo Berardenga, near the hamlet of San Gusmè. Founded by Giulio Campani in 1969, the property spans just eight acres of vineyards and olive groves at an altitude of approximately 350 meters. The scale here is intentionally intimate, allowing for manual cultivation and a hands-on approach to every vine. The family focuses on quality over quantity, with production numbers often hovering around just a few thousand bottles for their top labels.
The winemaking at La Lama is a family affair, currently led by Tiziana Atzeni and her daughter, Sarah Campani. They operate with a philosophy that Sangiovese requires time to express its full character. Unlike many producers who release wines as soon as regulations allow, Tiziana and Sarah often age their Riserva for up to six years—spending considerable time in oak barrels and bottle before it ever leaves the cellar. This dedication to extended maturation shapes the wine’s profile, smoothing out the natural edges of the grape while adding layers of savory complexity.
Look
In the glass, the wine presents a deep, dark garnet hue that hints at its time spent aging in wood. It is clear and consistent, with a concentration that suggests a medium-to-full body.
Smell
The nose is intense and evolved. Primary notes of ripe blackberry and blackcurrant are present but are quickly joined by secondary aromatics derived from the oak aging. You will likely notice distinct scents of vanilla, toasted almond, and baking spices. There are also underlying earthier tones of leather and dried herbs, which ground the fruit profile and add dimension.
Taste
On the palate, this Sangiovese is warm and enveloping. The extended aging has polished the tannins, making them firm yet integrated. There is a solid structural backbone here, supported by the fresh acidity typical of Castelnuovo Berardenga. The flavors mirror the nose, with dark fruit melding with savory notes of tobacco and spice. It finishes long and persistent, leaving a clean, drying sensation that invites another sip.
The Riserva Terzo Movimento Sangiovese 2018 is a serious wine that rewards attention. It balances the natural brightness of the Sangiovese grape with the weight and polish of traditional oak aging. This is not a simple fruity red for a casual party; it is a structured bottling best enjoyed with food or during a quiet evening. For those who appreciate savory depth and a well-integrated wood influence, this release from La Lama serves as an excellent example of patience in winemaking.
Italy
Tuscany
Sangiovese
14%
Tiziana Atzeni and Sarah Campani
60 to 90 minutes
Now to 2030
La Lama
