Sangiovese: It Was Old Before Rome Was Born

Before the rise of the Roman Empire, there was Sangiovese. Native to Tuscany and central Italy, Sangiovese was fashioned into fine wine by the surprisingly sophisticated Etruscans, centuries before Caesar went forth with the Roman tongue and hedonistic bent for guts and glory that lend their name to this noble varietal. The etymology of Sangiovese, "Sangue di Giove" means "blood of Jupiter", an indication of the power and grandeur attached to this grape.

Sangiovese the grape of Tuscany, is used to make the regional Chianti. Here in California, winemakers are producing their own style which accentuates the intense floral fruitiness of this wonderful grape. These grapes where grown by Pat Kuleto on terraced hillsides in the Napa Valley.

A profilic grape, Sangiovese requires pruning fruit in July. This intensifies the remaining fruit that is necessary to the big, fruity, nose-friendly style for which we have become known. The crop of 1999 presented us an excellent opportunity to make such a wine. The intense deep ruby color is matched with suprising layers of flavor.