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| Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari
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Among Tuscany's oldest and most prestigious wine families,
Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari teamed with Allen Shoup to produce a
wine that showcases Washington state's terrior with plenty of Italian
character. Saggi (meaning "wisdom") is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon,
Sangiovese and Syrah.
Tasting Notes: Dark cherry aromas and flavors combine with a
hint of nutmeg in this Super Tuscan style blend. An elegant entry in the front
of the mouth reveals refined tannins with focused concentration, enhanced by
the wine's silky mouth feel and lengthy finish.
Vintage: Red wines from 2006 are notable for a bold mouth feel
- typical of a hot vintage, as well as bright fruit flavor and balance -
resulting from mild fall weather that gave the grapes extra time on the vine.
High heat accumulation in July and August caused concern that harvest would
come too early, but as is typical of the Columbia Valley, September
temperatures cooled just enough to slow ripening and allow the grapes' flavors
to fully develop.
Winemaking: Hand-picked grapes were fermented in two and four
ton tanks, with particular care given to the Sangiovese, a delicate grape that
requires gentle handling to avoid green character. To give the wine a full
mid-palate, the Folonari's called for an extended fermentation before aging the
wine in a combination of new (60%) and used (40%) small French oak barrels for
19 months.
Vineyards: Giovanni Folonari is a frequent visitor to the
Columbia Valley. His familiarity with the vineyards allows the Folonaris to
craft a wine that combines Columbia Valley terroir with Tuscan style.
With the desire to showcase the delicate, yet generous flavors of Sangiovese in
this wine, the winemakers relied on fruit from Horse Heaven Hills and Red
Mountain vineyards. Cabernet Sauvignon from the Yakima Valley contributes to
the wine's balance; Cabernet from the Horse Heaven Hills adds structure and a
hint of earthiness; Yakima Valley Syrah contributes spice and depth.
Alcohol: 14.6%
pH: 3.81
TA: 0.55 grams/100ml
Blend:
42% Cabernet
39% Sangiovese
19% Syrah
Release date: October 2008
Production: 1725 cases
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