2012 Sangiovese

2012 Sangiovese

$32.00

Known as "Chianti", Sangiovese is the main grape grown in Italy. This slow-ripening grape is known for its food-friendly nature and easy drinking reputation. I call it my "adult cool-aid"! This vintage of Sangiovese is classic to the core. Fruit notes range from dark ripe to fresh-picked cherries, raspberries & red currants. Exotic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with hints of rosewater show as it opens. 

Awards: Gold Medal San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition, Gold Medal-El Dorado Co Fair, Gold Medal-Amador County Fair.

Our Sangiovese has made Wine Enthusiast's "Top 100 Wines" since 2009.

Food Pairings: With a beautifully dark, complex flavor, our 2012 Estate Sangiovese balances out spicy dishes and also complements the taste of bright tomatoes. Pairs great with wild duck, thin-crusted pizza, bolognese, and paella!

Viticulture and Winemaking

Variety: Sangiovese, planted 1999 in single vineyard block, is an Italian variety of grapes grown predominantly in Chianti.

History: The hallmark of Italian wines, Sangiovese is the most widely planted grape in Italy and is a rare treat in the rest of the world. The Sangiovese variety goes back centuries, beloved by many for its variety of flavored strains. Even its original name speaks of its place in Italian wines, the original name being sanguis Jovis - Latin for “Blood of Jupiter”.

Background: Sangiovese is famous for its flavor variety. There are many mutations of the grape, which gives rise to many different versions of Sangiovese wine. These wines can range from light strawberry to quite dark and tannic. Regardless of the variety, every Sangiovese wine exudes cherry flavor. 

Region: Fair Play, El Dorado County, Sierra Foothills

Vintage: 2012

Production: 225 cases

Fermentation: Macerated 7 days on the skins, the Sangiovese grapes are then gently pressed and allowed to complete primary and secondary fermentation in neutral French Oak barrels. Barrel-aged another 16 months and bottle aged 5 years prior to release.

Winemakers Notes: These vines are trained on a bilateral trellis system, giving a healthy yield year after year. 2012 is classic to the core, opening with a bouquet of fresh-picked cherries and red currant, subtle hints of rosewater, elegant spices and finishing with lifted raspberry. Very food-friendly and easy drinking wine!