2008 Rutherglen Estates Single Vineyard Sangiovese


Ruby red in colour. Intense sour cherry aromatics with tight layers of plum and cinnamon flavours integrate with fine, silky tannins to produce an elegant, food-friendly Sangiovese from 'little Italy' in Victoria's north east wine region.

This classic Tuscan varietal that forms the primary component of Chianti (Hannibal Lecter's favourite wine!), Brunello di Montalcino and the 'Super Tuscan' wine blends, takes it name from the Latin sanguis Jovis, 'the blood of Jove (Jupiter)'. It is Italy's most widely planted red grape variety and was introduced into Australia in the late 1960's.

The warm, juicy, earthy, dried herb characteristics persist on the palate and make this medium-bodied wine such a satisfying experience for either drinking now or medium term cellaring if patience is one of your virtues. Its fourteen months ageing in Hungarian oak hightens both the savoury fruit notes and the wine's length.

Prior to its recent, unfortunate closure the Rimefire Winery near Toowoomba in Queensland with its Tuscan-like terroir, produced one of my favourite Sangiovese varietals. The baton has now been passed on to this Rutherglen interpretation!

Try this impressive Sangiovese with tomato-based pasta and pizza dishes where the acidity and moderate alcohol levels would complement the food. 

Source: Winery Purchase. Rating: 88 Points. Website: www.rutherglenestates.com.au

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