WINO 101

Hello Friends and Wine Lovers!

Welcome again to the Carpe Vinum Friday Flights announcement and Newsletter! In keeping with some of the unusual varietal tastings I do here, this week we’re having Sangiovese! All Sangiovese! So what is it? It’s the grape that made Italy famous! Well, actually, I suppose Italy made itself famous, considering the dawn of modern civilization, the renaissance, the Roman Empire, and so on. . .but Sangiovese was along for the ride the whole time.

I learned a good deal about Sangiovese this week. I already knew that it was an Italian varietal, which is very important in Tuscany and other Central-Italian reds, especially and most famously in the Chianti district. What I didn’t know is that it is native to Italy, and the name “Sangiovese” translates into “The Blood of Jove.” And Jove is another name for Jupiter, the Roman god of. . .well. . .gods. Jupiter was the figure in Roman mythology equivalent to that of Zeus in Greek mythology. The god in charge, if you will. (Pun slightly intended considering they’re also the gods of the sky and lightning. . .get it? Gods in “Charge?” Lightning? Heh. . never mind. . .)

So this Jupiter character was rather important in Roman culture. In the Roman courts of law, people would swear by his name, hence the phrase “By Jove.” With that in mind, if the dominant grape variety of the area was to be considered the blood of the god-of-gods, that just shows the reverence with which they hold this wine.

Where it gets a bit more interesting, however, is with all of the New World Sangiovese wines coming out on the market. I’ve been seeing more of them out there, as more newly planted vineyards are reaching fruition. When we consider the winemaking styles of Italy’s wine houses, comparing the styles of Old World to New World Sangioveses gives a better understanding of the varietal and the potential of the flavors of the grape. At that, I’ve been fairly impressed thus far. I think we can be expecting to see quite a few more of these coming out in the future years.

A brief word about the selections for tomorrow: I’ve started it out with one Italian Sangiovese, to get an idea of the origins of the grape, and a basis for comparing the rest. Following that, there’s one from Argentina, 2 from California, and 3 from different regions of Washington (Note that Viano’s is called “Cuvee Tuition” since the winemakers have to send their son to college with what they make off the bottling.). Also, it wouldn’t be a Sangiovese tasting without the Seghesio Sangiovese, which is the oldest New World Sangiovese vineyard, and was planted around the turn of the century. The turn of the LAST century. The rest were probably planted around the turn of this most-recent century.

It’s yet-another stellar lineup, and educational to boot! (Pun slightly intended considering the boot-like shape of Italy. . .get it? Okay, I’ll quit. . .)

So Friday, November 11th, between 4:30 and 9:00 PM it’s:

Sangiovese!
La Berta 2002 “Solano” Sangiovese di Romagna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Norton 2003 Sangiovese, Mendoza, Argentina
Wineglass Cellars 2002 Sangiovese, Boushey Vineyard, Yakima Valley, Washington
Kiona 2002 Sangiovese, Red Mountain, Washington
Viano 2002 Sangiovese “Cuvee Tuition,” Columbia Valley and Walla Walla, Washington

More Sangiovese, By Jove!!
Opolo Vineyards 2003 Sangiovese, Paso Robles, California
Seghesio 2003 Sangiovese, Alexander Valley, California

A stellar deal at $10 for the First 5, and $6 for the Extra 2 Premium Pours
Hope to see you here!
Seize the Wine!

Next Friday tasting is A Thanksgiving Selection! What goes with Turkey?

M