SANGIOVESE...
SANGIOVESE AND TOSCANA

Sangiovese, the grape of Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti, Carmigniano, Torgiano, and many of the new barrique-aged wines of Toscana, is one of the world noble varieties. Sangiovese is the prominent grape of most red wines of central Italy. It is frequently blended with other grape varieties, but it is the Sangiovese that gives the character, perfume and structure to these wines. This widely grown variety is believed to have originated in Toscana. At various times known as Sangioveto, San gioveto, Sangioghetto and S. Zoveto. This name is according with one theory, derived from Sanguis Jovis "Blood of Jove". The wine tend to be medium in color, not dark red, medium body, dry and firm, with a tannic spine and a floral bouquet, a wine that for the most part, ages moderately well. There are a number of sub varieties of the Sangiovese and no less than fourteen clones. Among the more noted are the Sangiovese piccolo, Sangiovese grossO, know as Prugnolo Gentile in Montepulciano and Brunello in Montalcino. There are special clones in Chianti Classico and Ruffina and the sangiovese of Romagna which is grown in Emilia Romagna is yet another, as also in Umbria especially in the D.O.C.G. Torgiano rosso riserva. In the last decades a number of experiments have been made with ageing Sangiovese in barrique, which when done well, adds an extra dimension to the wine. Besides interesting aroma and flavor, the tannin in the oak gives the wine a better capacity to age, developing a smoother texture and more complexity in the course of its evolution.
My last sangiovese wines were:
Le Cinciole Chianti Classico 2008
Bright ruby red with intense viscosity and visible legs slowly down the glass. Beautiful intensity on the nose, youthful with crusched violet, raspberry and redcurrant, cinnamon, leather and traces of tobacco; open and balsamic tones. Lively with a pronounced tannin and savoury and the back of the palate. 12 months on oak.
The farm of Le Cinciole is located in the heart of D.O.C.G. Chianti classico zone. the winery farms 11 hectares of vineyards. the choice is focused on Sangiovese also a splendid Bordeaux blend is made.
The second one was Montevertine in Radda in Chianti 
the vintage was 2009 
Clear Ruby red splendid and shining on the glass, intensity and viscosity play a good role on the sight. Cherries, talc, raspberries, sour red plum, damp earth, white pepper, bay leaves and juniper berries.
Excellent progression in the palate with fruity notes and well crafted tannins. 24 months in barrels.
An icon of the italian sangiovese made by Martino Martinetti, Giulio Bini and Giulio Gambelli who passed away not long ago..

 And also just to stay in theme with Tuscany i had this awesome grand cru Chocolate


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