100% California Sangiovese - five different types picked over the course of two weeks in 2019, a little whole cluster, and 22 months in neutral oak. Vivid red fruit, natural spiciness and classic fine-grained nervous tannin, proper Californian acidity (a little less than Chianti), and a long earthy finish. This is our wine that I (Pietro) drink most often and one that I most proud of.
91 points - Wine Enthusiast magazine
Grown at 1450’ elevation on red, obsidian-strewn soil resulting from Mt. Konocti’s volcanic upheaval, our Sangiovese combines 5 clones in a focused package that reflects our region while respecting it’s Italian heritage with spritual guidance from Chianti Classico.
Tasting notes: Classic red and black cherry with a hair of blue-fruit focus below vivid cherries, floral notes, and a touch of roasted herbs from about 20% whole cluster inclusion. Medium acidity and fine-grained tannins are certainly present and Sangiovese's signatute texture is in tact. High-strung, as it should be, with good minerality. Medium body but with Sangiovese's characteristic uprightness (not like slouchy Pinot) that feels sturdy with bright fruit up front but definitely built to age. A touch of stem inclusion bridges into earth and spice aspects and gives it an almost California + Burgundy twist on the way to Italy.
Vineyard: Clones include Brunello 06 and Biondi-Santi, Prugnolo Gentile, and Romagnolo VCR 23 on 1103 and 110 roots. Planted in 2010-13 on bilateral cordon utilizing “California sprawl” trellising and varying between north/south and east/west row orientations. Nearly dry farmed. No pesticides or herbicides. Hand harvested, hand everything.
Winemaking: All clones hand harvested separately and fermented separately, ranging from 10-24 days. Varying degrees of stem inclusion and different temperature goals. Wood-basket pressed. No sulfur added for one year, no racking until bottling 23 months later. Unfined, unfiltered. 240 cases produced.
Label Image: Johann Mylius was a composer, physician and ardent alchemist. His Philosophia Reformata was a deep dive into scientific principles. Here the four alchemical sisters sit under the zodiac, each with a color and sign that is a stage in transformation while winds propel them. The metaphor extends neatly into the culinary realm, of which Sangiovese is a famed accomplice.
100% Sangiovese
4 different clones from 5 separate vineyard blocks all fermented separately
Yield: 3.3 tons per acre
12 neutral 225l barrels used for aging, mostly old thin stave French and thicker Hungarian oak
No racking until bottling
unfined, unfiltered
pH 3.66
TA 6.0gm/l
14.1% abv
265 cases produced
Hand bottled