2012 Sangiovese Alegría Vineyards

Very Highly Recommended - Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences

Tasting Notes

Intriguing aromas of spicy oak and a rich mineral essence blend with light red fruit and traces of tobacco. The bright oak-edged entry quickly reveals the solid structure and wonderful characteristics of the wine. Mocha and spice dominate, while nuanced flavors of juicy cherry, plum, and hints of orange peel and minerality appear mid-palate and broaden in the lingering finish.

Slightly chewy with youthful tannins, this Sangiovese is reminiscent of a Chianti Classico, and is an excellent match for almost any meal.

Winemaker's Notes

When we purchased Alegría Vineyards in 1990, we were delighted to find some of the oldest Sangiovese vines in Sonoma County, planted in 1950 by A. Rafanelli among our Zinfandel vines.

We used cuttings from those old Sangiovese vines when we planted our hillside blocks , inter-planted with six other distinct selections of Sangiovese, and two other Tuscan grapes that are traditionally blended with Sangiovese: Canaiolo (for color) and Mammolo (for aroma).

The 2012 season developed rich, concentrated flavors and aromas that were unlocked by a three day cold soak. Native yeast started, and Brunello yeast completed, fermentation of the field blend. For barrel aging, Bill selected a combination of oak to enhance varietal flavors and aromas.

Our hands-on attention to the sustainably farmed vines, and 2012’s benign weather, produced a great vintage—our 19th Sangiovese. The field blend and our cool Russian River Valley climate give the wine an “Italianate”, food-friendly balance of tannins and acidity.

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