
Sangiovese is a red wine grape variety from Italy that comes from the Latin phrase meaning “the blood of Jove.” Sangiovese is said to have originated in Romagna where wines were stored in caves inside the Mons Jovis. The grape variety is the most planted red wine variety in Italy, and is recognized in 53 provinces and authorized in 13 more. Sangiovese, when young, has fresh fruit flavors and spice, and includes strawberry, oak, or tar notes. Sangiovese was popular in the 16th century and may be possibly linked to Ciliegiolo and Calabrese Montenuovo, both Italian varities. Wines made from this grape variety typically have high acidity and high tannins, and produce a nice, light color. Most Sangiovese wines are sold and consumed while young, although the wine has the ability to age rather well. The wine pairs easily with food and is combined very nicely with tomato-based foods, such as pizza and pasta. Sangiovese varietal wines or Sangiovese wines blended with Cabernet also works well with dishes like roasted chicken and meatloaf. Sangiovese also pairs well with aromatic herbs, such as basil, thyme and sage. If the variety is dominated by Merlot, Syrah or Cabernet, then the wine should be paired with steak or heavy soups.
No products found
Clif Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap is made from 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot.
Our Stags Leap District and Calistoga estate vineyards build the foundation of this wine with support from valued grower sites located in Oakville, Rutherford, and Howell Mountain. Composed of small batches from a variety of blocks of varying age, this wine represents a diverse range of carefully selected rootstocks and clones. Yields are maintained at sparse levels, with a focus on canopy management and vine balance. The resulting blend boasts a remarkable depth and complexity that is quintessential Napa Valley.
Grapes were picked in the darkness of the early morning hours. The freshly-harvested fruit immediately underwent rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process, which included our cutting-edge optical sorter. Whole berries were gently delivered by gravity to tank using our crane system, minimizing disruption of berry integrity. Cold soaks lasted approximately seven days, and fermentations were managed via a combination of délestage, pumpovers, and punchdowns. Extended maceration ranging from four to five weeks fine-tuned our tannin profiles, allowing us to perfect mouth feel and wine complexity. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, 48% of which were new, for twenty-one months.
Elegantly soft and lithe the 2021 coaxes the taster with warm dark chocolate and luscious black cherry aromas. More graphite, chocolate cake, crushed mulberries, and iron notes leap from the glass. The entry is filled with dark fruit flavors of cassis, blackberry, and blue berries and they’re all tinged with floral notes of jasmine and violets. The polished tannins along the finish feel Cashmere-like and beg the taster for another sip. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking
Review:
So silky and drinkable at the first sip, this well-concentrated wine feels tight and restrained with more tastes, holding its trove of black fruits, cedar, cinnamon and dark chocolate in a rich blanket of extra-fine tannins. Its complexity, layering and lingering finish are something special.
-Wine Enthusiast 94 Points
Tasting Notes
This Pinot Gris is filled with great fruit intensity of ginger spice and pear drop aromas, beautifully balanced with a smooth juicy finish. A wine to be enjoyed on any occasion.
Winemakers Notes
Following harvest the fruit was fermented in batches using a number of fermentation techniques, including barrel fermentation (10%), on skins fermentation (90%), and lees aging for five months. The resulting blend of these techniques has resulted in a rich and complex Pinot Gris with concentration and balance.
Alcohol %
13.5%
Food Matching
Chicken Tikka Masala or sticky sesame prawns with a spicy sauce.