Sangiovese

Sangiovese, the jewel of Tuscany; the noble grape behind Vino Nobile de Montepulciano, Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti Classico. Sangiovese is as expressive of where it is grown as Pinot Noir in Burgundy. It is predisposed to showcase terroir — where the grapes were grown, how the vines were tended, how the juice fermented.

We have found, just as the Italians discovered centuries ago, Sangiovese is exceptionally elegant and balanced when planted on steep hill sides, like the slopes of Hawk Mountain Vineyard, on our home farm.

We’ve also learned (as have the Italians) that Sangiovese doesn’t like to be “wine-made.” It’s at its best when left pretty much alone in the winery, relying on the native yeasts to do the fermentation, and avoiding manipulation. What results is wine that is deeply expressive both of the site and the conditions of each vintage.