Category Archives: Sangiovese

Sangiovese, Vigna Piuca, Azienda Agricola Castellinuzza e Piuca, Chianti Classico DOCG, Gran Selezione, Greve in Chianti, Toscana, Italia, 2017, 14% abv.

I liked colleagues Melanie and Giuseppe right away.  I had booked a premier tasting at the Casa Chianti Classico in Radda to learn more about the structure of Chianti Classico.  We connected quickly over a conversation about Canadian fish and … Continue reading

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Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Avignonesi, Montepulciano DOCG, Italia, 13.5% abv, C$42

Avignonesi is Italy’s largest biodynamic winery, located in tiny Valiano, Tuscany between Cortona and Montepulciano. Its owner, Virginie Saverys, a former lawyer from Belgium,  purchased it in 2009 from the original owners, the Avignonesi family, and has spent the last … Continue reading

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Tenuta Poggio Ai Mandorli, Chianti Classico DOCG, Gran Selezione, Italy, 2011, 13.5% abv. US$19

I purchased this bottle at Trader Joe’s Bellingham store for about US$19, but it actually cost me a lot more in Canadian dollars because of the tax paid at the border.   Medium ruby with a tinge of garnet, it has aromas … Continue reading

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La Porta di Vertine, Riserva, Chianti Classico DOCG, Toscana, Italia, 14.2% abv, 2009

Located on amphitheater-shaped vineyards in tiny Vertine located in Gaiole (one of the five Chianti Classico regions) and north of Siena, this producer harvests organically grown grapes, uses indigenous yeast and employs minimal intervention in the cellar. The wine is comprised mostly of … Continue reading

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Podere Brizio, Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italia, 2006, 14.5% abv, C$120

This 100% Sangiovese is made by Roberto Bellini and Patrizia Mazzi.  They had originally owned a lot of land in Montalcino (the larger Pieve di Santa Restituta estate) and then sold all of it except for 9 ha to Angelo Gaja … Continue reading

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Montevertine, Rosso di Toscana, Radda, Toscana IGT, Italy, 2009, 13% abv, C$50

Let’s just cut to the chase. The Montevertine Rosso is, well… outstanding. A Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino blend made by winemaker Martino Manetti, the winery left the world of the rule-bound Consorzio and declared itself an IGT rated producer after the 1990 vintage. The wine … Continue reading

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Sommavite, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italia, 2008, 14% abv, US$19.99 @ Trader Joe’s

I will admit to having experienced a small amount of panic when I opened this because of some extra alcoholic vapours and concerns about faults.  But those literally blew over and off and although the cork was grainy and falling … Continue reading

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Il Fauno Di Arcanum, IGT, Toscana, Italia, 2008, 14% abv.

Oh happy day – a Supertuscan wine from the Castelnuovo Beradenga region of Chianti Classico that has been declassified to IGT status because it’s a blend of 62 Merlot, 23 Cab Sauvignon, 8 Cab Franc, 6 Sangiovese and 1% Petit … Continue reading

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Andretti Winery, Sangiovese, Napa Valley, California, 2009, 14.9% abv.

Sangiovese is a black grape native to Central Italy and primarily Toscana whose name literally means ‘Blood of Jove’, the Italian name for Jupiter. It’s Italy’s most planted variety, is the only grape allowed in Brunello di Montalcino and is … Continue reading

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