My first choice was a 2007 Gigondas , but upon pouring I could see that this bottle had turned and instead I settled for my second choice of a 2008 Siro Pacenti Rosso di Montalcino ( $30 ). Rosso di Montalcino is made from 100% Sangiovese grown in the same delineated region as Brunello di Montalcino. Highly recommend.

The handpicked fruit from the excellent 2008 vintage (warm days, cool nights) are from estate vineyards and consist of 83% Merlot, 12% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1124 the seeds of a house of wine were planted. This also adds richness and texture. 14% Alcohol and $35 SRP

Only the oldest and best Sangiovese vines on the property are used. Dry and luscious with a blend of 95% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot. This Riserva is made only from grapes grown on the Gabbiano Estate in the heart of Tuscany. Rich and intense ruby colors paint a picture of full body, texture and complexity.

The Sangiovese grapes used were sourced from select estate vineyards and the 2008 vintage was an excellent one. The Castello di Gabbiano was founded in 1124 and. as the story goes, in the 12th century The Gabbiano Knight (or Cavaliere in Italian) protected these Tuscan Vineyards from foreign invaders.

Here is a SuperTuscan blend of 85% Sangiovese with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon that is fermented in steel tanks for 15 days then barrel aged for 6-8 months in French oak, and finally in bottle for 3-6 months. cassis and smoke on the finish. This delicious bargain is $21 SRP

Here are five current releases I would cellar for 15 years that will bring a whole lot of bang for much less buck: Domaine Baudry, La Croix Boisée, 2008. don’t have a lot of experience with aging sangiovese, but if I were going to, this is where I’d start. Cabernet franc grown on limestone from a top grower in Chinon.

Excellent balance, round and soft. Sampled at the Gambero Rosso "Tre Bichhieri" event at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC

Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Gabbiano DOCG 2009 90% Sangiovese, 10% other red grapes from the area, 3 months of aging in stainless steel vats, a bouquet of super ripe cherries, red fruits, cocoa, and sage with an herbal infused honey. Violet, ripe cherries, coffee, cocoa, mint with floral finish.

A minimum of 75% Sangiovese and other varieties including Canaiolo and Colorino, the best grapes are carefully selected from the harvest for the Superiore, aged in stainless steel vats for 7 months then three months in bottle. pricetag

The Montefalco is a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino, and 15% of Merlot. 2009 Grecante Grechetto Colli Martani 2008. Tags: Wine reviews 2005 montefalco rosso 2009 grecante grechetto colli martani 2008 montefalco. The bouquet is one of dark, brooding red fruits with hints of plum, cinnamon, and earth.

From the Chianti Colli Senesi region, this red Italian wine is a blend of Sangiovese and Canaiolo. Glycerine dominates, with dusty raspberries, earth, ripe cherries, balsamic, and an herbal finish.

The Reserve Chardonnay 2008 had excellent concentration of fruit and ripe, succulent flavors, while the 2008 Chardonnay had New World Finesse and good structural integration. As a Californian, I was incredibly loyal to my native state and spent many long, sun-soaked weekends checking out all the new wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley.

The first 4 pairings with various Salumi: Ruffino Chianti Superiore DOCG 2008 From the Poggio Casciano Estate vineyards in Chianti, using choice grapes during the harvest, as per the Superiore and Chianti Classico production standards, and aged for seven months in stainless steel tanks and two additional months in bottle.

Instead I opened a young Sangiovese, the 2008 Montesecondo Rosso Toscana IGT , $18, Louis/Dressner Selections. I've been enjoying Sangiovese lately, and on paper this should have been a great wine - great importer, careful vineyard and cellar work, etc. The first opportunity involved radishes. But a white wine," I thought."with

Winemaker's notes: Grape Varieties: Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon Chianti may well be the single best-known wine in the world - historically celebrated, universally revered and enjoyed over centuries. Tonight I added another favorite place to eat in Syracuse, Joey's Italian Restaurant. As usual, she always gets it right.

blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. About two years ago I found a special deal on a gift pack of two wines from Candoni Wines. The gift pack wasn't what sold Shirley and I on the purchase, it was the label. Both wines were well liked by all of us at our table. First, the label. Secondly, the wine; Candoni Chianti DOCG 2007. for $11.

This really interesting blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Bonarda from Mendoza region of Argentina. Medium bodied with aromas of ripe red berries, and a forest floor lushness. The flavors are soft and tannins are supple with a long silky finish. Found this for about $10 at The Wine Room of Forest Hills. 13% alcohol.

2008 Grosset Wines Polish Hill Riesling, Clare Valley. 2008 Tahbilk Marsanne, Nagambie Lakes, Goulburn Valley. Disgorged 2008 Rockford Sparkling Black Shiraz, Barossa Valley. 2008 Thomas Wines Braemore Individual Vineyard Semillon, Hunter. 2008 Angullong Sauvignon Blanc, Orange. 2008 Logan Sauvignon Blanc, Mudgee.

The 2008 Albarino ** from an estate vineyard in Soledad was tight and racy. The 2008 Vin Gris de Cigare * was aromatic but a little flabby, while the 2003 Cigare Volant **/ and 2004 Cigare Volant ** each showed a little reduction. Those looking for a sangiovese from America should look for this instead. Neither was a "wow" wine.

Tenuta Il Borro Pian di Nova Toscana 2005 IGT Another blend from Ferragamo's Il Borro, this blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Sangiovese reflects a subtle nose of red cherries, currants and leather, with hints of vanilla and a finish of spices, namely cinnamon and cloves. Flavors of pear and vanilla balanced with nice acidity. alcohol content.

At snooth on Sunday afternoon I participated in a blind tasting of 12 red wines. Led by Greg Dal Piaz of Snooth, all the bottles' labels were covered and we sampled 4 flights of three each.

Another blend from Ferragamo's Il Borro, this blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Sangiovese reflects a subtle nose of red cherries, currants and leather, with hints of vanilla and a finish of spices, namely cinnamon and cloves. 2008 photo by Dave Trieger

Medium tannins give this a traditional style, not too sweet, but balanced and with an intensity that defines it as a classic Brunello reflecting the wonderful Sangiovese grape Campo Del Drago Brunello di Montalcino 2003 is a DOCG, single vineyard effort from Salvatore Ferragamo's Castiglion Del Bosco.

It is a traditional 100% Sangiovese from Tuscany, has ruby coloring and intense inviting aromas of vanilla with flavors of plum, orange peel and a sweet campfire smokiness. Owned by the Ferragamo family, Castiglion del Bosco produces this Brunello di Montalcino which is aged in oak for 2 years. alcohol content

From the Tuscan region of Montalcino comes this mouthwatering blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Sangiovese grapes. Aged in barriques for 6 months, it puts on an aromatic show of violet, currant and chocolate all wrapped in a full bodied style.

The wine I sampled was a 1998 SuperTuscan made from 85% Sangiovese and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. On Monday evening, I attended a food and wine tasting organized by Grupo Ristoranti Italiani at Gotham Hall's Ballroom in NYC. There I met John L. Morace owner of Podere San Luigi vineyards located just south of San Gimignano in Tuscany.

Here are my reviews: Barbi Brunello di Montalcino 2003 DOCG (Fattoria dei Barbi) Made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, this Brunello has a really interesting mix of aroma vs. palate. Not long ago Gary Grunner--a wine aficionado with a special interest in Italian wines-invited me over to his house for a tasting. alcohol content.

A blend from Umbria, this red wine is made from 70% Merlot, 30% Sangiovese with aromatics of chocolate, blackberry and cedar over layers of ripe sour cherries and violets and 13% alcohol. Opened nicely within an hour for a soft and smooth attitude. In the $12 range at WRFH

News from Tuscany is that Gaja and other producers voted to keep the rules in place for Brunello standards, namely that they must be made with 100% Sangiovese grapes. It's also alleged they voted that way ONLY because the vote was public and their intentions are to be able to blend whatever they like and still call it Brunello.

This little sangiovese from Frescobaldi is starting to show a very lovely nose of dried rose petals, dried herbs, and tough old leather. Garnet color, with still fresh acidity, this is a great table wine for $18. About this last point, however, I may be wrong. It could be I just drank too much.

The red and rosé wines from this region are produced with Gaglioppo, Malvasia Nera, Greco Nero and Sangiovese. The red and rosé wines from this region are produced with Gaglioppo, Greco Nero, Nerello Cappuccio, Magliocco, Sangiovese and up to 25% of the white wine grapes Malvasia Bianca and Pecorello. Wikepedia

We were playing with 3 varietals - Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah & Sangiovese.  Has it only been a week?  Time does fly when you are having fun, but I have been doing SO MUCH running around that I can't believe I have only been in Israel for 1 week so far (OK, 9 days).  I have 6 days left, but I know that will fly.  Can't wait!

A Sangiovese/Syrah/Cab Franc blend was intriguing and determined to be a great food wine.  While I went away (within Israel) for the sabbath to a friend of the family.  A wonderful woman and great cook it is always a nice shabbat when spent with her and her family.  Traditionally, this often includes cake , crackers , and fish." 

Fattoria dei Barbi uses a patented technique of fermentation developed by Giovanni Colombini to make this Sangiovese Tuscan red wine. 2008 photo by Dave Trieger The process involves the extensive soaking of the grapes with their pomace which results in an intensity of flavors, softness, color, and complexity. 13.25% alcohol and $13.99

From 100% sangiovese, the Perlato del Bosco Rosso 2001 ** is thick and dark and dry. I've been watching it evolve for the past four plus years. In its youth this was a little tight and acidic, and it closed down for a little while resulting in a wine rather more like cheap Chianti Classico.

From Montalcino comes this Tuscan red, a blend of Sangiovese & Merlot and nice every day red wine. At $8 a bottle Banfi succeeds in producing a full-bodied inexpensive red with the character of some of it's older brothers from the region. This went very well with a simple pasta marinara with grated ricotta & pecorino cheese

Aglianico is also used for "vini da tavola" in other parts of the region, notably in the east around Matera, where reds from Sangiovese and Montepulciano also originate. " Basilicata , also known as Lucania , is an often neglected region of arid hills and desolate mountains that can be bitterly cold for a southerly place.

home : wine recommendations : wine girl for hire : bio : articles : contact « The Plumber (could it be the end of an era?) | Main | David Lett » The Great Brunello Debate October 07, 2008 Jeremy Parzen (disclosure, a good friend) serves up a terribly compelling examination of the Brunello scandal on Dobianchi and VinoWire.

Montepulciano D'Abruzzo is often confused with the Montepulciano from Tuscany that is technically Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and usually a Sangiovese blend. producing wines like Montepulciano and Trebbiano , which are the native Abruzzi workhorses. Abruzzo deserves credit for greatly improving the quality of their wines.

Made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, this Brunello di Montalcino has a really interesting mix of aroma vs. palate. 2008 photo by Dave Trieger At first the nose reveals roasted meats, toast and ripe concentrated stewed prunes. 14% alcohol and $51 at WRFH.

I am hopeful that this Sangiovese, following a 14 day maceration period (two weeks of fermenting on its skins), is going to be a balanced, fruit driven beauty. I woke up bright and early this Sunday morning to press the wine with my two "winery" (yes, I use the term liberally) partners.  Alas, our host, "Mr. Mazal Tov GC!  L" (aka "WTG").

Sangiovese (the primary grape used in making Chianti ) grown in this part of California (Livermore Valley) makes for an interesting variation on a theme. Mitchell Katz ages this 100% Sangiovese in French oak with an alcohol content of 15.4%. That sounds fairly high but hardly noticeable while tasting it. SRP is $25

The Sangiovese & Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from California have been crushed, de-stemmed and had the yeast added.  I recently wrote about working on my second batch of home made wine.  The "must" is now fermenting away and based on the quality of the fruit, we are hopeful for our second vintage. But today I want to write about year 1. 

We tasted all the varietals they had and ultimately decided on Cabernet Sauvignon (real original, I know) and Sangiovese (the Italian varietal that makes wines such as Chianti or Brunello).  Fear not, the Sangiovese was GREAT - or so I hope.  I love what I do.  Name it, if it is wine related I am working on it.  But sadly I did not. 

None are typical flavour or texture characteristics of Sangiovese, especially one grown on the kind of heavy, alluvial, low lying, compacted clay soils converted from cereal crops this producer has. It would be awful of me to reprint this fabulous letter from Italy that writer (and biodynamic consultant ?)

know it would be weird to order a Pinot Noir rosé, or a sangiovese rosé, etc.  I've been thinking a lot about Rosé of late.  For those seeking a sweet wine I suggested a bone dry but beautifully floral Viognier (also a Galil Mountain wine) - that was incredibly received.  But it did get me thinking.  Is Rose' already Passé???

Where did it come from (Israel), what region (most from Galille, but some from Golan), what grapes were used (Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Viognier, etc.). Happy B-day to WTG. Happy B-day to WTG, Happy B-day to WTG, Happy B-day to YOU! OK, that is out of the way. It was an ISRAELI WINE tasting. And it was FABULOUS!

San Fransisco Chronicle article about Italian varietals in California (I have had some amazing Napa Sangiovese). I have been nice and busy the past few weeks. And while I love being busy, it means sacrificing sleep (sleep is for the weak) and falling behind on my wine reading. An Eric Asimov NYT piece about Greek wines.  Or California Pizza?

The grape Montepulciano; which is sometimes confused with the Sangiovese based wine from the town of Montepulciano in Tuscany called Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano. Abruzzo is the land of Montepulciano. Nice and confusing. This is Abruzzo's calling card. It's Shinning light save for a memorable Trebbiano (white wine) or two. Until now. Cheers

If I'm in the mood for a good pasta dish I'll go for homemade gnudi with a great bolognese sauce and pair it with a well made, honest Sangiovese. What was the first wine that made you realize you loved wine? simple moscato that made me get up at 6 am on a sunday morning at the age of 10 to go have a sip all by myself. That it is bad for you.

From Italy comes this IGT organic Sangiovese , aged one year in oak and one year in bottle. It's an assault on the senses. First, the pronounced aroma of animal, then varnish, prune and oak, followed on the mouth by ripe cherries, a bit of violets and a good long rustic finish. This wine has body, texture and complexity.it's

The wine list although small seemed to cover most of the basics (I had a very nice Albarino & an OK Sangiovese).  By now many of you are aware that part of my Israel Wine project involves wine bars.  Is a wine bar a place with a large selection of wines?  Is it a place with several offerings by the glass?  How about fancy stemware? 

This dry red Sangiovese from Maremma in southern Tuscany brings an earthiness, a fistful of fertile soil, and a primordial essence of the region to the nose of the wine drinker. There are also hints of leather, black fruits and a palate of ripe cherries with full flavor and a good acidity.

90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot and Syrah make up this single vineyard Chianti Classico from Tuscany, Italy. Very dark ruby in color with a medium body, it gives off aromas of cherries, herbs, cloves, black pepper, and funky soil. So far so good. but this is where the fun stops. It's just as well. I'm not crazy about this wine.

Called Tommasi Poggio Al Tufo Rompicollo , this Supertuscan is 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is the second time I've had this red wine from Maremma , Tuscany (actually the first time was a 2004). Paired well with a tagliere of prosciutto, speck, gorgonzola and smoked gouda cheeses at Uvarara

Grown in the clayey soils of the Colli Senesi hills around San Gimignano, these Sangiovese grapes yield a wine that is a deep ruby red in color. San Gimignano is an old walled city in Tuscany that I was lucky enough to visit during my cycling trip in 2006. Sampled this delicious red wine with Keith at In Vino

The Brunello grape is a close relative of the Sangiovese and the color is a deep ruby red with 14% alcohol. Tenuta Greppone Mazzi Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva 1999 DOCG • This vintage was one of the best of the 90's decade (a close second behind 1997, the best in 100 years) in all of Italy. This was a gift bottle so don't ask how much.

A little background about Cereghino Smith Sangiovese Reserve 2004 provided by Keith Beavers: The story goes like this: Fred Smith from the band Television and his wife whose name I cannot remember (note from Dave T. believe her name is Paula Cereghino) lived on Houston back in the late seventies and eighties. That and pure passion.

This is a red wine made from Sangiovese grapes grown in California and produced in New York. I've tasted many Sangiovese wines, mostly from Italy, but never interpreted like this. Photo 2008 by Dave Trieger It's chewy, has texture, and an interesting flavor profile. Found this at a tasting at Alphabet City Wine Co.,

tried a Sangiovese, an Italian varietal that is not that common in NorCal and was the only one I tasted on this trip. Sangiovese is often a lighter red with greater acidity. This was one such Sangiovese, wherein I detected some cherry & earth and a nice acidity. tried to get down a "bug juice" of sorts that was simply awful.

Rubesco Rosso Di Torgiano DOC Lungarotti 2004 • Made from 70% Sangiovese and 30% Canaiolo , the blend that is classically indigenous to the Umbrian region, this ruby red wine (from the fantastic 2004 vintage) is aged in oak for 10-12 months and in bottle for another 12. It is 12.5% alcohol and goes for around $15. This one is a hit

Rocca Delle Macie Campomaccione Morellino Di Scansano DOC 2006 Blend is 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot. Straccali Sangiovese Di Toscana 2004 IGT This is a 100% Sangiovese red wine made from grapes from various locations in Tuscany, Italy. Here are 7 of my most recent favorite inexpensive but good wines.

©2008 photo by Dave Trieger Blend is 90% Sangiovese , 5% Cabernet Sauvignon , 5% Merlot. Rocca Delle Macie Campomaccione Morellino Di Scansano DOC 2006 is a ruby red, dry, full-bodied wine from Tuscany with ripe red fruit and chocolate on the nose, and a fresh smooth palate with a good finish. 13% alcohol and $7.99.

This Straccali Sangiovese Di Toscana 2004 IGT is a 100% Sangiovese red wine made from grapes from various locations in Tuscany , Italy. There's barnyard on the nose with black cherry and oak with cinnamon, and mild flavors of fruit and good balance. This is an inexpensive, but decent everyday wine, I believe it was $6

©photo 2008 by Dave Trieger This 2004 DOCG from Montepulciano , Tuscany , Italy is made from 80% Prugnolo Gentile (a Sangiovese clone) and a 20% blend of Canaiolo Nero and Mammolo. 80% of the grapes are aged for two years in Slavonian oak and 20% in French oak. This winner can be found at The Wine Room

Italy • Rocca Delle Macie Chianti Classico is made from 90% Sangiovese , 5% Merlot , and 5% Canaiolo , the grapes for this Chianti Classico are selected and picked by hand. The must undergoes maceration over the grape skins for 12-14 days. It is full bodied, warm robust with flavors of cherries and a nose of spice, jam and wood. alcohol.

An old vine field blend containing zinfandel, petit sirah, alicante boushet, carignane, trousseau, sangiovese, petit boushet, negrette, syrah, muscat noir, cinsault, and grenache. Another gem suggested by Eric Baugher. Medium ruby with a slight shine on it. Spicy nose mixed with stewed plum and herbs.sage note? This is worth investigating

Italy • This 95% Sangiovese with 5% Colorino from Terricola, Tuscany is a medium to full bodied, deep burgundy color, has cherries on the nose and fruity bubble gum, palate is luscious apple cherry on back of tongue

This dry red Super Tuscan Italian wine is made from 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Sangiovese Rosso. They're barriqued separately, the Cabernet for 15 months and the Sangiovese for 12 months. 2008 photo by Dave TriegerItaly • Rocca Delle Macie was started by Italian film star Italo Zingarelli, and is now run by his son Sergio.

Every wine shared one ingredient, Sangiovese , the grape that played such a huge role in the re-emergence of Italian wines. First up was a 100% Sangiovese. Giaconde Sangiovese Rubicone 2006 IGT. Made from 100% Brunello (Sangiovese), this wine is in wood for 1 year. On the palate was a cherry but on the sweet side of dry.

Italy • ©2008 photo Dave Trieger This clean deep ruby red Sangiovese Chianti has aromas of ripe fresh fruits and flavors of cherry, tangy strawberry and plums. very good deal for $11. And in case you didn't know, Davinci is made by Gallo. Wine Spectator gave this wine 86 points.

Italy • Fattoria di Bibbiani Poggio Vignoso Chianti 2005 • This red wine from Bibbiani is made from 85% Sangiovese , 10% Canaiolo and 5% Malvasia. Nice clean clear ruby color with typical Chianti aromas of cherry and earth with flavors of intense cherry and flowers. Being in the $10 price range, this wine is a really good everyday wine

guess I expected better after enjoying the 2005 Banfi Chianti Classico so much (See February 22, 2008 post). First of all let me say that I love Italian wines. This one was drinkable, but not one of my favorites. tried it last night after an hour of decanting, then again a day later. This one was about $10 but I can't really recommend it

©photo 2008 Dave Trieger Italy • The grapes are 90% Sangiovese with the remainder a mix of Malvasia nera, Colorino , Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from one of the original Chianti regions, Rufina. The Frescobaldi family has been around since the 11th century and the story goes Michelangelo exchanged paintings for wine.

photo ©2008 by Kristen Trieger Monte Antico Toscano 2004 IGT • This red wine by Italian wine specialist Neil Empson and winemaker Franco Bernabei is made from 85% Sangiovese , 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. Aged in oak barrels for a year and in bottle for 6 months, this ruby red medium weight wine is 12.5%

photo ©2008 by Kristen Trieger Italy • This dry red wine from Gaiole in Chianti is medium weight with ruby color, 90% Sangiovese 10% Canaiolo is aged in oak casks for 2 years and bottle for 1 year. On the nose first there's smoke with what seems like well. beef, and on the palate is mushrooms and cherries.

©2008 photo dave trieger This Chianti Classico from Banfi is made from sangiovese grapes, has dark ruby color with medium weight, with a nose of dark fruits, cherries, plums, earth/leather and violets. Palate: cherries, tobacco & wood. Great with red sauces but I had it with a porterhouse steak.

He reluctantly brought over a Sangiovese for us to try.  I went out with a young lady to a wine bar last night.  I have been to this place once before and my experience was quite good.  But that is NOT what stood out most about last night.  Upon our arrival we were seated by a very warm and friendly young woman.  She suggested Pinot. 

©photo by Dave Trieger This dry red wine from Rocca delle Macie is made from 95% sangiovese and 5% merlot grapes from Chianti Colli Senesi. remember the region from my trip. the soil was turned after the harvest and was very chalky. Wine has a ruby red color, intense nose (reminds me of an Amarone) from what must be really ripe grapes.

Deal # 2 - 2005 Bibi Graetz Casamatta - For sale for $9.49, made from 100% Sangiovese grapes. Lo & Behold, I am compelled to eat my words. Granted you may not be STEALING these wines from the retailers, but searches revealed higher prices being charged elsewhere. Deal # 1 - 2006 Kofererhof Muller Thurgau. sale" price $14.99.

©2008 by dave trieger • This 2003 Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG is produced by Fattorie Melini and made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso, grown in "La Selvanella" vineyards in the heart of Chianti. After a long maceration period, the wine is kept in Oak casks for 30 months. It has bing cherry, leathery vanilla, and raspberry on the nose.

This is a blend from Verona consisting of 70% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and 5% Sangiovese. Color is ruby red, medium to heavy body. Nose: Black currant, alcohol, lemon rind, grapefruit. Bing cherries on the Palate. Finish: Fresh cut wood on back of tongue. Also known as Baby Amarone because of the Ripasso style vinification.)

It is 90% sangiovese, which is the main grape in this area with the rest being made up of canaiolo and merlot. The Sangiovese and the canaiolo give the wine a subtle power and the merlot softens and rounds it off making this a smooth medium to full body wine. So the Alphabet City Wine Co. We hope to continue on the assist. Cheers