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Wine Details
Price:
$9.99 per bottle
Description:
Everyone who has tasted our Sangiovese is as excited about it as we are. Just saying the word “Sangiovese” conjures up thoughts of the wonderfully fruity Chianti wines produced in the Tuscany region of Italy. This extremely versatile red is a relative newcomer to the wine scene of Washington State having only been in production the last few years. The grapes for ours came from the same vineyards as our Cabernet, Merlot, and occasional Syrah — the Wahluke Slope Vineyards in central Washington. This vineyard region continually produces some of the best wines in the state. The components seen in this Washington State Sangiovese are very typical of it’s Tuscan cousin — wonderful berry-like fruit flavors combines with subtle Italian herbs, nice bright red/purple color, and aromas of cherry and cassis. Enjoy this wine as an everyday “house red” — it’s a wonderful accompaniment with everything from game birds, pasta dishes and pizzas to pork roasts. I am especially intrigued by the lingering clove sensation that remains in the mouth long after the wine is gone.
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Varietal Definition
Sangiovese:
Sanguis Jovis, the Latin origin for the varietal name, literally means “blood of Jove.” Sangiovese is one of the oldest known varietals and it is likely that ancient Etruscan winemakers cultivated it, although the first literary reference to Sangiovese was in 1722. Sangiovese is probably indigenous to Tuscany, whose most famous wine is Chianti. Chianti is a blend that currently contains a minimum of 90% Sangiovese.Sangiovese thrives in hot dry climates. Because these climatic criteria generally enhance quantity, rather than quality, it takes careful cultivation and winemaking techniques to produce really excellent wine from this grape.
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Merlot:
Merlot is known as a Noble Bordeaux varietal. Although it came to France in the first century, it was not named until the 1880s. Merlot was originally used only for blending, as it is soft and compliant, very useful in softening other Bordeaux wines like Cabernets. Recently in California and Chile it became popular as a 100% varietal wine. Merlot tends to be easier to grow in a variety of soil conditions and is harvested earlier in the year than Cabernet. Although most Merlots are made to be drunk earlier, there are many with complexities of a Cabernet. Flavors of plum, black cherry, violet, chocolate and orange pair well with rich, red pasta dishes, hearty chicken dishes, and any beef combination that you fancy. The perfect match of course is chocolate. Not only does the chocolate compliment the wine and vice-versa, but the essence of both flavors linger eternally.
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Syrah:
Syrah is the eight hundred pound gorilla of Rhone grapes! In the vineyard and the winery, Syrah is typically an easy grape to work with - healthy, early ripening, resistant to mildew and rot; suitable for winemaking in a variety of styles. The wines from Syrah are tannic without being harsh. The wines will have a taste and smell of dark blue fruit like blackberries and blackcurrant, with a strong spicy side where one can find freshly ground pepper and other spices. Syrah is famous for its part in the French blends, such as Côtes du Rhone and Châteauneuf du Pape.
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