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Wine Details
Price:
Description:
Being of Italian descent, Gino knows Sangiovese. Over time, Gino has determined that following traditional Italian methods produces the best wine. Classico Chianti in Italy is required to meet certain standards. We use those same standards here by barrel aging the wine 4 ½ years and ensuring the grapes reach ripeness (at least 12% alcohol). We go further by bottling 100% Sangiovese. Due to the long, dry year and the long hanging time on the vine, the fruit was fully ripe with mature flavors. But, alas, the tonnage was very low. After primary fermentation, the new wine is pumped to older, neutral flavored oak barrels. Flavors are predominantly strawberry. The barrel age has toned down the sprightly tannins and acid, allowing the undercurrent of cedar to emerge. It was bottled Valentine's Day, 2004. Extremely limited production. Drink now, or age three to five years, or longer. This is a classy Sangiovese, produced without gimmicks or chemistry, relying instead on the gifts of Nature and the art of the winemaker.
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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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