the importer only had 3 cases left and we got one of em!
planted in the late 1980s, a mixture of different clones of Tuscany's favorite varietal Sangiovese (mostly Grosso with some Piccolo), planted in uplifted ancient riverbed of eroded gravel, sandstone, and quartz
Grosso clone adds structure and intensity, Piccolo adds brightness and lift
smells like true Chianti Riserva, though reads a touch more new world on the palate
only 90 cases produced!
sarsaparilla, dried orange peel, herbal, medium bodied, beautiful oak integration, spice, underbrush, juniper, gentle tannins, recalls the landscape of coastal Tuscany while also emulating the Corsican style of Sangiovese with vivid dark fruit and bright acidity. The couple years of bottle development really have all these complex elements working together harmoniously right now. (this would also make a really fun blind test for your wine geek friends).
region: Mendocino, CA, USA
varietal: Sangiovese
style: red
farming/cellar: organic, semi carbonic one week maceration, aged in neutral French oak for 12 months, minimal added so2
pairing: picnic charcuterie, shake shack burger, garlic steak from sweetgreen