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36 / the tasting panel / november 2016 ON THE LIST S nuggled into the picturesque hillsides of Greve, one of the original four villages of Chianti, Lamole di Lamole har- kens back to winemaking in Roman times. While relying on the forethought of the first people to plant vineyards in the area, Lamole di Lamole capitalizes on its south-facing vineyard sites to make a classic style of Chianti Classico. More than that, though, the winery has implemented modern technology to make the best wine they can from its pedigreed sites. Mozza Restaurant Group, headed by famed restaurateurs Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich, is clearly one of the most iconic Italian restaurant groups in the country. We sat down with General Manager and Beverage Director Sarah Clarke to talk about Lamole di Lamole, Chianti Classico and Italian red wines in general. "I think there's a bit of a resurgence for Chianti right now," she begins. "While Super Tuscans aren't going anywhere, I think their popularity has sparked more interest in the wines of the surrounding area, too." With four wine programs—Osteria Mozza, Pizzeria Mozza, Mozza2Go and chi SPACCA—on the corner of Melrose and Highland in Hollywood, Clarke certainly excels at the challenge. Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione graces the Osteria Mozza wine list and comes in at just under $100, making it a prime pairing with many of the archetypal Italian dishes on the menu. "The best way for Italian wine to make sense to the public is with food, especially Italian food, and that is part of the culture in Italy," says Clarke. "We have so much on the menu that works well with this wine. Of course a traditional steak works, but the tagliatelle with braised oxtail is also great match." With many old vines planted in the characteristic alberese (limestone) and galestro (clay and shale) soils of Chianti, Lamole di Lamole employs temperature-controlled fermentation tanks followed by maturation in French oak for their Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, a wine by law made only from estate-grown grapes, aged 30 months (including three months in bottle). A model of what a Chianti Classico should be, the Lamole di Lamole Gran Selezione has qualities that Clarke identifies as "smoky notes with raspberry, tarragon and licorice; garnet in color with just enough weight on the mid-palate. I love Italian wine," she smiles. "They always continue to fascinate me." Classically Chianti Classico LAMOLE DI LAMOLE FULFILLS A PERFECT SPOT FOR OSTERIA MOZZA by Allyson Gorsuch / photos by Todd Westphal Sarah Clarke, General Manager and Beverage Director of Mozza Restaurant Group, with restaurants in Los Angeles. Lamole di Lamole capitalizes on its south-facing vineyard sites to make a classic style of Chianti Classico.