When one thinks of Italy, wine is one of the first images that comes to mind. In addition to the lush, sweeping landscapes, Italy is renowned for its exquisite wines, with Sangiovese being one of the most iconic grape varieties in the country. This year's tasting dedicated exclusively to Sangiovese uncovered a kaleidoscope of fabulous expressions from across the globe. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sun-drenched vineyards of California, Sangiovese continues to captivate wine enthusiasts with its bold flavors and rich history.
Sangiovese, known for its intense, dark-colored red wine, offers a wide range of bold, earthy, vibrant fruit flavors, including hints of roasted cherries and dried herbs. The nose is all about balance, with sour cherries bouncing off sweet cherries and a sleek vanilla streak dusted with tea leaves, above salt and pepper. Poggio di Sotto, a renowned winery in Montalcino, cultivated 182 different Sangiovese clones to make a wine that is the ultimate expression of Brunello di Montalcino.
At a recent tasting event, some of the greatest vintages of the century for Brunello di Montalcino were represented, such as the exceptional years of 2010, 2016, and 2019. Each vintage showcased the unique characteristics of Sangiovese, from the bright acidity and firm tannins to the complex layers of flavors that evolve with age. Castello di Fonterutoli's Concerto, a Sangiovese-dominant SuperTuscan in its 40th vintage, was also featured, with wine critic Susan Hulme MW tasting nine vintages of Concerto and highlighting the wine's consistency and aging potential.