Sangiovese

Without the sangiovese grape, there would be no great Chianti! Some of the best vineyards of sangiovese are planted in the hills surrounding Florence and Sienna. Many Americans remember Chianti as the straw covered bottles of unimaginative wine and often, the bottles were turned into candle holders.

Great Chianti is just that, great. Some of our favorite wines come from the region of Chianti Colli Senesi surrounding the picturesque of Sienna in central Tuscany. Perhaps it is the wine or perhaps it is the memories of our visits to the region that brings a sense of place each time we open a bottle. Chianti's other regions include; Chianti Classico, Chianti Colli Aretini, Chianti Rufina, Chianti Colli Fiorentini, Chianti Colline Pisane and while not labeled 'Chianti', the region of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

The best examples of sangiovese grown in the new world hail from the Sierra Foothills of California, especially Amador County and a handful of plantings in the Napa Valley. We expect to see more great sangiovese from the new world as the ideal locations and clones are found.

Our Favorites:

2006 Vino Noceto Dos Oakies Sangiovese, Shenandoah Valley
Gold Medal Winner, Amador County Fair
Classic sangiovese 'Chianti' style with notes of cherry and spice.
($26)

2006 Vino Noceto Misto Sangiovese, Shenandoah Valley
Gold Medal Winner, Amador County Fair
Traditional 'Chianti" style made with a field blend of Sangiovese with Trebbiano, Malvasia, and Canaiolo Nero.
Great depth and complexity.
($26)

2005 Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva
Red berry, dried flowers, herbs and spice sum up this easy drinking Chianti..
($20)

2003 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino
The Brunello clone of sangiovese is one of the most expressive and complex of the Chianti grapes.
($50)

More Grape Varieties