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Cabernet Etrusco

Cabernet Etrusco Wine Details
Price: $22.00 per bottle

Description: It was the Etruscans who first farmed Sangiovese in the rustic foothills of what is now called Tuscany. As the Martin Brothers are among the very first American wine producers to release striking “super Tuscan blends,” we have commemorated this Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese blend as Cabernet Etrusco. The chimera, the mythical figure of Roman legend, is revealed on this label as a symbol of the combination of many parts. Paso Robles is rapidly gaining a reputation for producing stellar Cabernet Sauvignon, which contributes 85% of this blend. The Martin Brothers Winery Cabernet provides breadth and classic flavors. Five clones of Sangiovese, also from Martin Brothers, comprise 15% of the Cabernet Etrusco and lift the wine with bright flavors, layered complexity, and velvety texture.

Varietal Definition
Cabernet Sauvignon:
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted and significant among the five dominant varieties in France’s Bordeaux region, as well as the most successful red wine produced in California. Though it was thought to be an ancient variety, recent genetic studies at U.C. Davis have determined that Cabernet Sauvignon is actually the hybrid offspring of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon berries are small with black, thick and very tough skin. This toughness makes the grapes fairly resistant to disease and spoilage and able to withstand some autumn rains with little or no damage. It is a mid to late season ripener. These growth characteristics, along with its flavor appeal have made Cabernet Sauvignon one of the most popular red wine varieties worldwide.
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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