2018 Sangiovese Alegría Vineyards

Tasting Notes

Classic Sangiovese aromas fill the nose with rustic minerality and restrained red fruit. A buoyant entry delivers cherry, pomegranate, blackberry, and dried strawberry laced with toasty oak and cigar box. Near the lingering finish, traces of mocha appear along with hints of crushed pine needles, adding interest and depth to the wine.

Winemaker's Notes

In 1992, we used Sangiovese cuttings from vines planted at Alegría Vineyards in 1950, to plant our west-facing hillside, along with other selections of Sangiovese. We now have 26 Sangiovese clones on our hillside, interplanted with other Tuscan grapes traditionally blended with Sangiovese: Canaiolo (for color) and Mammolo (for aroma). A three-day cold soak unlocked the grapes’ rich flavors and aromas. Native yeast started, and Brunello yeast completed, fermentation. Bill selected a combination of oak barrels to further enhance aroma and flavor. Hungarian oak barrels work particularly well with Sangiovese, adding subtle notes of cinnamon, cola, mocha, and toasted walnuts. During the first six months of barrel aging, we stirred the lees to enhance mouthfeel and did not rack until bottling. The field blend, and our cool climate, give our 25th vintage an “Italianate”, food-friendly balance of tannins and acidity. 2018’s long moderate growing season gave us an exceptional vintage.

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