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La Lastra's six hectares of vineyards, sub-divided into six parcels of land, at 280m above sea level, are reminiscent of those found in the Rhone or Burgundy regions of France. The company is owned and run by Nadia Betti, Renato Spanu and Enrico Paternoster - three dedicated people whose long experience is rivalled only by their passion for producing superb wines.
Yields are kept low (typically 50/60%, for all wines, of permitted levels). The grapes are hand picked when at temperatures not exceeding 25c, and collected in small containers holding not more than 12kg. Using a process of separate vinification, each of the La Lastra vineyards produces wines that embody the special characteristics of each area, its soil and the microclimates encompassed within the "azienda". The abiding principles of La Lastra can be summed up as a love for the land and its produce; a respect for the culture and environment of the region; and an unswerving commitment to producing high quality wines.
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The Wines
Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG 1998
Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG 1999
Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG Riserva 1996
Rovaio, Vino Rosso di Toscana IGT 1995
Tasting Notes
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La Lastra Vernaccia di San Gimignano '98 (12.5%)
Bottle Price £8.95
Case Price £107.40
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100% Vernaccia
In addition to its fine Chianti, Siena also produces this fine DOCG wine from the Vernaccia grape, another indigenous variety. Siena's country side can be starkly barren in winter but come spring i'ts vineyards and olive groves transform into a verdant paradise.
This wine has a pale golden colour with good long 'legs'. A citrus-lemony, cinnamon-like spiciness perfumes the bouquet. There are also hints of clove and almond. The palate is dry, full-bodied with the nuttiness showing alongside a cidery-like texture. It has good acidity and a clean fresh finish. Excellent value for money.
Richard Bampfield MW:
The nose is a wonderful example of how Vernaccia can develop if given a chance. Aromas of honey and apricots, backed up by nutty, marzipan tones.
Dry and full bodied, attractive honied texture and still balanced acidity. Excellent with creamy chicken dishes.
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La Lastra Chianti Colli Senesi '99 (13%)
Bottle Price £8.50
Case Price £102.00
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95% Sangiovese di Toscana, 2-3% Malvasia Bianca, the remaining Canaiolo nero
This is an amazing wine, one wine maker (who was making a similar wine) on trying this wine could not believe the power and concentration emanating from the glass. The answer, of course, lies in very low yields that Nadia Betti expects (typically 50/60% of permitted levels) and an almost fanatical desire to make mind-blowing wines. Youthful colour, sweet subtle citric bouquet. Really big on intake, masses of sweet fruit, almost jammy in taste and texture, tannins giving good balance. The concentration of this wine fills the mouth. Lovely long finish. Brilliant!
Richard Bampfield MW:
Aromas somewhat closed, but palate is starting to emerge, with ripe, mouth filling fruit and a lovely supple texture. Beginning to drink well, has the structure still to improve.
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La Lastra Vernaccia di San Gimignano Riserva '96 (12.5%)
Bottle Price £12.75
Case Price £153.00
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100% Vernaccia
The reserve bottling of this grape benefits from spending time, 18 months in oak barriques which imparts a greater depth of flavours and textures to this wine. It has a little more colour than the ordinary Vernaccia with a complex bouquet of pineapple and wild rose. This is a buttery, unctuous and weighty wine, harmonious and elegant, goes on and on.
Richard Bampfield MW:
Subtle aromas of apple, emerging straw tones. Touch of oak in the background, mature, highly flavoured, developing nutty characters. Lovely rich palate, with a firm dry finish.
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La Lastra Rovaio '95 (13.5%)
Bottle Price £19.00
Case Price £228.00
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33% Merlot, 33% Sangiovese, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon
Rovaio is one of the new breed of ‘Super Tuscans’. Produced from, one third Cabernet Sauvignon, one third Merlot and one third Sangiovese this is a stunning wine. The wines are vinified separately, matured in oak barriques separately, then brought together for the cuvee. The bouquet is exceptional, full of blackcurrants, cedar wood, blueberries and a touch of vanilla. The palate is full, rich long lasting and mouthfilling. The fruit from the vine shows wonderfully well and shows its outstanding quality. Drinking now but this will repay keeping for up to five or seven years when the resulting wine will be far too good to share with anybody-let them buy their own!
Richard Bampfield MW:
Deep, plummy colour. Ripe, smoky barrique aromas. Rich, ripe, nicely structured palate. Smoky black fruit flavours, with supple, dusty tannins, good length of flavour
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