Sangiovese Taste Off – Episode #439

April 8, 2008

Sangiovese is a grape that has thrived in Italy and we are seeing many California wineries take to the grape as well, who will win this battle ROYAL?

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Comments on this episode(223) Leave a comment ›

“Nice show. I have had a 3 case love affair with the 04 Casanova di ne…” by Tom
“Love the Mr. Wizard action going on! That kind of makes me want to go …” by Dessert Wine Nerd
View all 223 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

2006 Casanova Di Neri Rosso Di MontalcinoRosso di Montalcino
2005 Luna Napa SangioveseNapa Italian Varieties

223 Responses

April 8, 2008

David Dickinson
First again. I need to get off line a little more. Love WLTV!
April 8, 2008

MonkuWino
Hey I’m comment #2 today!
April 8, 2008

Dale Cruse
I’M THIRD! WHO CARES?!
April 8, 2008

elron
It’s been a while since I had a Sangiovese. Have to go to the cellar and pick some out.
April 8, 2008

Mark Neustadt
QOTD – I’ve been on Cabernet and Shiraz too much lately. Perhaps I’ll switch over. Another great show even if the wines didn’t bear that out.
April 8, 2008

Hinrgman
Gary

Sangiovese is one of my favorite grapes..
April 8, 2008

crank
I’m in.
April 8, 2008

DT
Top 10!!!!!
April 8, 2008

ray-ray
QOTD – Not a pure Sangiovese but the Sandhill Estate Vineyard Small lot program: 2004 three. Solid wine, slight Bass drum picking up tempo in the background but doesn’t justify ACDC like Thunder… Nice berry notes, will be interested to see what direction it takes in the future.
April 8, 2008

John Farrin
Top 10, oh my! More later
April 8, 2008

Neil
I’m in too Crank it up!
April 8, 2008

GrapeStuff
Nice!
April 8, 2008

sobojosh
13
April 8, 2008

brent
QOTD: Not straight Sangiovese but I’m liking the third and second label supertuscans… i.e. Le Volte and Brucciato (which is a bit more vegetal)
April 8, 2008

S Andrews
Great Stuff!
April 8, 2008

KAHUNA
QOTD: just finishing my 2003 Casanova Rosso’s and they are yummy but also were only 13.99

Is the Rosso Di Casanova Di Neri the same the Rosso Di Montalcino- Labels are different
April 8, 2008

purplejuicebruce
QOTD… Yes, I have some Chatom 2004 Gitano Sangiovese from Calaveras Co. and still have some 2001 Folie au Deux Sangiovese Napa and I like them very much
April 8, 2008

elron
Gary, I know how you feel about the disappointment in todays show. That’s reality!

I feel similiar when I’m looking forward to a nice wine to drink after a hard work week and get a disappointed. I’ll go grab another and open it up and hope it’s better than the one I had just opened. If it isn’t good, I get pissed! I’ll go grab another bottle of wine and make sure it’s one I had a few times before and know I’ll enjoy it to avoid any more disappointment.
April 8, 2008

Holger A
Very good show, very cool idea mixing both wines.
April 8, 2008

John Farrin
QOTD: I don’t drink enough Sangiovese. However, the last one I had on my birthday last November I really enjoyed. It was a 2004 Turnbull Toroso (92% Sangiovese, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Sagrantino). I think that it was only sold at the winery. At least that’s the only place I found it and was lucky enough to snag 3 of the remaining 13 bottles. It was $30.00 but worth it, to me, at least
April 8, 2008

KW
Gary – I actually enjoyed the show because it shows how much wine can vary. I had the 05 Rosso last year and it was quite good. I can imagine how the 06 tastes when even your palate can’t handle it. But I think these tannic Sangiovese become very good after 5+ years, but you must be patient. The tannin soften and the chewiness becomes more luscious. But then you also take a chance.
QOTD: Not much Sangiovese recently. More Tempranillo with Cab mix. They are very tasty.
April 8, 2008

Chris
Loved the mixing, no matter how crazy or declasse some people might think it was. I’ve always had the thought in my mind to do that sometime, but never really had the cajones. I had a similar experience with the Luna. I didn’t hate it quite as much as you, but I remember thinking “Holy cow! It’s like someone melted a stick of butter into my wine.”
QOTD: Although I like a good Chianti, I haven’t had any Sangiovese in a while. I’m curious and would like to try some more Cal-Ital wines though (I’ve had only a couple, including the Luna). Consider that an episode request: Cal-Ital.
April 8, 2008

Roel
QOTD: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, that was my favourite while in Tuscany
April 8, 2008

Danny C
GV-

Love the music is the background!!!!!
April 8, 2008

elron
Oh and yeah, my memory just got jogged, kind of had that going last weekend too and thought about mixing them but didn’t. Funny!
Wine reality for sure!
April 8, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: Honestly can’t remember the last time I had a good Sangiovese. However that may be because lately I’ve been trying all kinds of new things to expand my palette and I tended to live on Chianti in the 90’s.
April 8, 2008

GrapeStuff
WHAT?!?!?! NO MOTT LINK IT UP T-SHIRTS?!?!?! WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

sad day, I will not QOTD today.

I will say I like the blending! Seen this done a few times, where two so-so wines were much better blended than apart. Getting me stoked for the blending on Friday!!!

BTW, the wines were punishing you for the No Mott link it up T-Shirt.
April 8, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
QOTD — not really. To me, Sangiovese is a wine to drink when what matters if the food and conversation. Might as well drink the red out of a fiasco instead of a wine only slightly better for 3x the price

“T”
April 8, 2008

MagnumGourmet
Top 30…Woo Hoo!
April 8, 2008

Dom
Oh yeah…..04 Nipizzano, 04 vigna vecchia, 04 ruffino modus…good buys as well!
April 8, 2008

laurie in VT
What?! I take a break from shoveling fill- brick rubble, no less- to watch WLTV only to hear ‘No Mott Tshirt’? ‘Not enough momentum’? What, because we’re low-key like Mott?! Oh, phffftht!

I’ll just have to make my own, then. So there.

QOTD: I haven’t had any in a long time; for no reason that I can remember. We’ll have to remedy that this weekend. Maybe I can drown my no-Mott-Tshirt sorrows with a glass or two…
April 8, 2008

pawncop
Learned more today. Good effort. Have not tried Sangiovase yet. One more to the list.
April 8, 2008

Derek F
Good show Bro even though the wine was a bust.

QOTD: I think the last Sangiovese I had was Castello di Chianti classico wich is like 85% Sangiovese, aged 12 months in French oak.
April 8, 2008

Vincenzo
Gary, I FULLY support the mixing of wines, especially to make them taste better. Anyone who disagrees needs to loosen up!
April 8, 2008

Kev and Ams
QOTD: Not lately, but I liked some that I got from Vino Nocceto.
April 8, 2008

Kdawg
QOTD: I love the grape, so yes I am drinking some great sangiovese. Some Felsina CCR, Brunellos, and Vino NObiles, its all good. We all know that BrandonM still thinks its a weak grape even though he hasn’t drank a brunello
April 8, 2008

David Kaye
QOTD: Yes, McPherson Sangiovese from Lubbock, Texas. Shocking, but it takes great and it true to its varietal profile.
April 8, 2008

Linderelli
I am TOTALLY drinking some good Sangiovese! Try the 2005 Trio Vintners Sangiovese. (If you can get it. . . I may have bought the last 6 bottles.) Walla Walla producer, really bright, lovely stuff. The 2007 Tres Rose is also really incredible! You’ll have to check them out when you head this way.

Great to see you at Taste Washington! Hope you had so much fun.
April 8, 2008

EvanR
QTOD: nope
April 8, 2008

Ozzybeef
Sangiovese I drink and one I like is Villa Antinori:
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=2657
Cheers
April 8, 2008

DC7
Vino Curioso in VA has a nice Sangiovese as well as Barboursville and Afton Mountains.
April 8, 2008

TWalk
Yes Siiir….2004 Gargiulo Sangiovese from Oakville-Napa…..pretty darn tasty after decanting
April 8, 2008

Sonnenuhr
There is so much great Sangiovese from Italy, why even include that crap from CA? Next time stick with the old country!

QOTD: Isole e Olena Cepparello is a particular favorite
April 8, 2008

Cpt. Disaster
I’m Drinking the 2001 Monte Volpe Vineyards – Mendecino CA – Sangiovese. Wine Maker: Gregory Graziano. I love it!
April 8, 2008

Shadowbird
What? No Mott shirt! *burns*

QOTD: I don’t think I’ve ever had any, and if I have, I don’t remember it.
April 8, 2008

Tommasino de BoBo of WI
Crackn’ open a 1997 Antinori Pian delle Vigne this weekend…. only 3 left,need to start drinkn em up!!
April 8, 2008

BobbyTiger
You are wrong Gary……….It was a good show today. It was the wines that sucked. (The Casanova Di Neri was “chewy”? Could be wrong……probably am….but think I had a Norton Sangiovese, a couple of week ago. Wanted to give a whirl, as the grape didn’t sound too Argentine. Yep, I finished the bottle, but it was uneventful. Keep bringing it baby………….
April 8, 2008

Neil
QOTD: Flora Springs makes a fair Sangiovese and a blend called Poggio Del Pappa. I think you would think they were too oaky. My wife and I enjoyed a nice Tuscan blend last weekend, the Villa Selva, Felicia which we got from the Wine Lib and we would gladly buy more if ever in stock again.
April 8, 2008

Gonzo
QOTD: Barnard Griffin Rose of Sangiovese brings some serious pink thunder for around $10.
April 8, 2008

BargePlus
A very disappointing show – not so much for the wines (That happens), but for the casual announcement that there would be no “Link it up, Mott” t-shirts. So tell us, what will it take to get this sought-after Tee back on the production schedule? 100 comments? 500 comments? 1,000? Or even something else. Let us know; we’ll get it done becuase we want to SHARE the Thunder!!!!!
April 8, 2008

Gonzo
QOTD: Barnard Griffin Rose of Sangiovese brings some serious pink thunder for around $10.

Thanks for the awkward ep Gary.
April 8, 2008

Dr. Dan
The 2003 Selvapiana Bucerchiale CC Reserva that I got from WL is really quite good. It’s $25, but very much better than the other $15-20 CC that I have. I’m metering out the remaining 9 bottles that I have.
April 8, 2008

Ryan D
QotD: From brunellos to chiantis to vino nobiles, I’m a big fan of sangiovese and drink it often.
April 8, 2008

jason
qotd: why the hell not mix stuff. people all over mix alcohol, why not if they suck butt?

drank some barbera d’asti tonight and was tasting gude.

j
April 8, 2008

Sharon
Funny show! Yes, I really liked Marchesi de Frescobaldi Chianti Rufina Riserva Nipozzano 2004 (a Sangiovese blend) at a tasting so bought a bottle.
April 8, 2008

BF
Nice — a little Frank Herbert shout out (Mr. Wizard).
April 8, 2008

Eli2Tyree
qotd – selvapiana chianti Ruffina reserva. Awesome! think it was WL’s #2 wine of the year last year. Also enjoy castello d’ Abola CCR 2003 – visited the estate in MAy and LOVED the reserve. brought back a case in my luggage
April 8, 2008

Don Reynolds
QOTD: Only in Chianti.
April 8, 2008

manonthemoon
They can’t all be homeruns

QOTD: To be honest I only have one in my collection right now is 2004 Owen Roe Sangiovese Alder Ridge Vineyard and it is being shipped to me with the rest of my trips selections. It is said to new world as the rest of their line up, hopefully it will bring the thunder and I will order more.
April 8, 2008

Zinny
QOTD – I am currently in love with the 2006 Monte Bernardi Retromarcia Chianti.
April 8, 2008

Chazzy
The last Sangiovese based wine I had was a 2001 Villa Leprata Rosso Di Montacino 50% Sangiovese + 50% Merlot @ around $30.00 a bottle. Loved it. Fresh acidity and long finish.Very well made and balanced wine. My cellar is dominated by Sangiovese; mostly Brunellos. I also have some Barolos & Barbarescos (cant get enough of Nebbiolo either). The rest looks like this: Loire Valley (Chinons & Sancerres), Languedoc-Roussillon (including some nice little values from Carcassonne),and some Bordeauxs also hold an important place but Sangiovese is currently king. Not to take anything away from the others but thats just the way it is right now.
April 8, 2008

Eric G
Like the head to heads, don’t mind when the wines don’t perform. Every show has to be different, can’t all be all hit hit hit, then the hits would get dull.

QOTD: Love Sangio, love baby Bruns when they are good, sadly there seems to be a lot of average baby bruns out there. Drank some Antinori Villa Toscana which I thought was OK.
April 8, 2008

Fangorn81
QOTD: Sangiovese is always good. It is like my go-to back up wine. And, despite the unpredictable results of todays show, I usually find Sangioveses to have good consistency from producer to producer…Like Ol’ Reliable. With Italian grandparents, Sangiovese IS red wine to me. Well, it was for a long time.

If you only have $6, go with Sangiovese. Chances are good that you’ll at least be able to drink it!!
April 8, 2008

Chazzy
Oh, I forgot to add that now I’m officially a former Lurker GV! I’ve lurked through your show since episode 39 (The Quicktime Days). Can you forgive me?
April 8, 2008

dayvan cowboy
monte reale sangiovese. it is not stored in oak and has a very clean, bright flavor for a sangiovese. never had one from california. hopefully, i never will.
April 8, 2008

Purple Tooth
I agree with David Kaye…McPherson Sangiovese from Texas is outstanding. It’s a little hard to find, but Central Market carries it.
April 8, 2008

Larry R
QOTD: Yes. I’ve been sipping the 2007 vintage from my vineyard and I’m liking it a lot. We’re new, but we should be selling wine by the end of this year. http://www.tryphonvineyards.com
The website is still under construction.

I’ve been lurking for something like 6 months now and it took a show about the grape I grow to get me out so I guess I should apologize now. Sorry.
April 8, 2008

Swedish T
Gary

I can tell you, this is very true, that Swedens only MW, Ulf SjÃ¶din, blends his old Bordeauxs with 5cl Penfolds Koonunga Hill before drinking.

QotD : No I dont…Sangiovese has never been a favorite and I rarely by them…

Swedish T
April 8, 2008

Utah
Haven’t had any Sangiovese, lately, myself.

But here’s the freaky thing. I was thinking about, when I saw the two bottles, BEFORE hitting play, about the results of mixing two different wines together in the glass. Its not something I’ve ever seen done before, but it does prove that I’m, you know, magical.
April 8, 2008

Mary Beth
OMG.. I just opened two bottle of Sangiovese to do a comparison myself, one was an italian and the other was a gift from a Jersey winery .. (Yes I know what you are thinking Jesey saniovese??) I had a very similar experience, to Gary…the italian wine was a 2003 but still very high in tannins and the jersey wine was over done fruit forward. did not enjoy either wine and was pissed that I had two open bottle of wines that I did not like So you know what I did? I ended up mixing the two!!! Ah gerat minds think a like
MB
April 8, 2008

BobM
Gary- It was fun to see your blending experiment. It reminded me of tasting the Vayner Cabernet barrel samples and speculating what the final blend would taste like. It might be fun to play around like that after one a Vayner Nation Third Thursday Tasting.

QOTD: Haven’t had any Sangiovese lately, but I’ll get back to some in the next week or so.
April 8, 2008

Dominus
Can’t hit a homerun every time especially since you are not on ‘roids.

QOTD: Nope, no Sangi lately but agree with Sonne above re: the Isole e Olena.

Since it’s turning to Spring, I vote for a German Riesling tasteoff.
April 8, 2008

FJDR
QOTD: I drank a bottle of Monte Antico Toscano 2004 Sangiovese not long ago and thought it was OK, but not great.
April 8, 2008

The Shadow
We love the sangiovese grape. A trip to Italy last year turned me from a casual wine drinker to a VANIAC. Brunello is my favorite, but only for special occasions due to the pricing. We sent a case home from Montalcino including several ’97s. We drink Chianti Reserva regularly, dabble in Rosso di Montalchino and some Vino Nobile. It seems most of these wines do need time to age for the best drinking. Family coming to town this week so some Brunello will fall, I think a ‘97 Ciacci Piccolomini D’Aragona.
April 8, 2008

Pete G
Great job there sir-mix-alot. I’m a traditionalist so I don’t do many Sangs from outside of Italy. I rock Italian Sangs 2-4 times a month (hey I’m Italian fugitaboutit). Sangiovese Di Romanga Superiore (San Valentino) 2006 has been killin it for me lately.
April 8, 2008

A-Gar From Spokane
Hey, it happens, bro. It’s almost better when the wines do not rock, because then I don’t have to go and waste my hard earned cash on them.

QOTD: I’ve had one or two nice Chiantis. Neither was really my style, though.
April 8, 2008

Joel M
Gary, It’s Masters Week. I thought you were going to do a show on wines from some of the PGA Tour guys like Faldo, Weir, Norman, Els, Plamer etc. Ian did email me to say that the show would be done Thusday of Masters Week. What happened? Who is the Master wine producer of the pros? Joel
April 8, 2008

Len
Interesting show in any case…..even if the wines weren’t. I thought I was the only one that tried to make two average to not so good wines…blending them to see if it would taste any better. QOTD: Not lately….couple of months ago sis have 99 Fanti Brunello…very good!
April 8, 2008

SteveW
WOW TOP 70 !!!!!!!
I feel bad for Mott, he deserves a T-Shirt.
I like it when you mixed the wines. I’ve done that many times.
I may have opened 2 wines that both kind of suck, and I will try different
mixtures which will almost always be an improvement on either wine by itself.
Esp. if one wine might be a little too old and the other is a young fruit bomb.
April 8, 2008

tendollarbill
I’m with BargePlus but we’re reasonable people. If we can’t get a “Mott- Link it up shirt” how about a “Hey Mott, give this thing a sniffy sniff” t-shirt instead?
April 8, 2008

Saftig
Don’t listen to your Mother!! Play with your food and wine.
April 8, 2008

kallardnyc
We will not stand for it anymore! Give us our damn “Mott, Link it up!” shirt.

Join me my fellow Vayniacs. Twit on over to https://twitter.com/MOTT_TSHIRT and follow me to force @garyvee to give us what we want…

A damn MOTT_TSHIRT
April 8, 2008

Kristen
What a bummer GV, but hey, at least you tried some bad wine so I didn’t have to. The Oak Monster scared me today! Good Lord, why do people like the OM so much?

QOTD: Sangiovese is not my favorite, but there have been some good Italian Brunellos, etc.
April 8, 2008

Andrew H.
Sangiovese is wonderful and I enjoy it very much. However, I have not yet had a multitude of them so I cannot share the one I liked best. I look forward to purchasing a few this summer.
April 8, 2008

Scott S.
Gary, You finally did it. BLENDING!. Tell me, where would Bordeaux be without the Mastery of Blending. Please dedicate a show to blending like you did in France. Hey a little Cab, Merlot, Cab Franc and PV and now you have Magic. Like all the memebers of this show the sum is far greater the the individuals. Hats off my friend!
April 8, 2008

Little Jonny H
Ha! I thought the blending was fantastic!!! I knew that mixing two contrasting wines would bring the best of both to the table to produce a something better than its parts alone. Kind of like Kansas vs Memphis…

QOTD: Not really! but I’m trying to find some good stuff under $13-15…
April 8, 2008

KVolk
What do you mean no Mott t-shirt!!!!! That is unacceptable Mr…..

QOTD: Nothing I have had I like and today’s show sure didn’t change my opinion….
April 8, 2008

Plminer
GV the blending machine, that was classic! I’ve noticed that American S.G. is really over the top fruit and extracted, nothing like the Italian version.
QOTD: I’m drinking Brunello and a few Chianti Riserva’s that are rocking, perfect with Italian food.
April 8, 2008

Justin Viger
No, but I will have to try some and see if I can fair any better.

P.S. Background music is NOT bringing the thunder. I now have a headache
April 8, 2008

JohnL.
I loved this show!
It’s great to see you shoot from the hip and improvise on the spot like that.
This is exactly what you should be doing… having fun with the wine.
Thanks Gary, great show!
April 8, 2008

normanzo
I love it that you dumped the 2 wines together to taste the Vaynerlab combo.

QTD: Tiburzi 2005 Santambra Rosso di Montefalco. Sangiovese 65%; Sagrantino 15%; Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon 20%. Only 65% Sangiovese, but that counts, right?
April 8, 2008

Matt
I havent seen the episode yet, I usually watch the next day (or so) at work! I will say that my Fiancee had Orfila Sangiovese from CA once at Citricos in Disney’s Grand Floridian and we loved it. We orded 1/2 a case and couldnt “save” it … we fixed meals that paired with it every night that week and it was gone. That being said, I think I need to pick up a bottle and do a good tasting on it, as it’s 2 years later!
April 8, 2008

Chris
GV, you should try to get on ESPN. I think you’d be a great color commentator. Then you could avoid being labeled a “one trick pony.”

P.S. You sound really whiny on GARYVAYNERCHUK.com
April 8, 2008

Nickyb85
Wicked show GV.

QOTD: Last sangiovese I had was a locally produced bottle made by private label La Diosa Cellars. Grown in the West Texas region it had a lot of good features and the area has a lot of growing potential as the High Plains AVA comes of age.

As far as blending of wines go… I have done the unthinkable. At a party where other drinks were being served some cola wound up in my wine glass. Cringe as you may, it was an incredible hit resembling something of a sangria (only not). Oh well… us crazy college kids… have a good one GV
April 8, 2008

amgryger
QOTD: not a big sangiovese drinker, but in the past 4 months I’ve had an 04 Paneretta Chianti Classico that was not bad, and an 04 Corzano E Paterno Chianti Classico Riserva that was actually quite good.
April 8, 2008

familydoc
I know the wines were off, but you were on today, GV, loved the show, very entertaining!

QOTD: I actually really enjoyed the 2002 Luna Sangiovese, which I had about 4 months ago, a different vintage with 3 more years of bottle aging may have made all the difference. I also had a Brunello over Christmas the 1999 Agostina Pieri Brunello di Montalcino, which was also very nice. Ok, I’ve also have a few very bad chianti’s too in the last few months.
April 8, 2008

Justo Gonzalez
What’s up with Heart playing in the background? Not drinking any Sangiovese at the moment. Lately I’ve been stuck on nebbiolo.
April 8, 2008

pete c
I don’t think Cali can make a sangiovese that’s comparable to Italy.
QOTD: favorite Chianti in awhile is the Borgo Salcetino 2000. Beautiful nose.
April 8, 2008

Anthony L.
Gary, I know you were disappointed, but I love this show. Very cool to see you mix it up….Love the honest opinions.
April 8, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – About 5-6 years ago I started drinking a lot of Sangiovese wines from Tuscany, eventually splurging to buy a couple Brunellos. Well, I started drinking other types of wine over the years, but I still have those bottles – maybe the time is coming to start tasting them…

Also, I recently had a bottle of Silverado Sangiovese from California that was oak city – pretty mediocre.
April 8, 2008

Rich
Great show today. I loved the mixing of the wines. Why not… Very entertaining and fun.
April 8, 2008

jseeds
Everyone gets “bad” wines sometimes…I bet in some corner of the world, someone out there loves each of those…

QOTD: Felsina Rancia 2004 – Most delicious Sangiovese I’ve had.
April 8, 2008

barrelmonkey
Hey Gary! I’m not done watching – so I can’t answer the QOTD yet, but I just tasted the Espelt Saulo ‘05 from Ep 402. I’ve been on a WLTV tasting roll lately – The Altos los Hormigas Bonarda, the 2006 Panarroz, the Tour de la Roque. And all three just rubbed me the wrong way. I respect your palate a TON, but man did I hate those three wines. The Espelt was just up my alley – nose that reminded me of right bank Bordeaux, dry palate with great concentration and excellent acid/fruit/tannin balance. One thing that surprised me was how long the balance lasted on the finish.

Having it with dinner now, and I’m really glad you had it on the show! Also, tasting along with the show really helped me to isolate those aromas. I picked up a lot of the same things you did!

Thanks, and take care.
-R
April 8, 2008

RnD
QOTD: I’ve had both the 2002 and 2003 Luna and thought they were pretty solid vintages. Maybe the 05 just isn’t ready for prime time.

Loved the wine mixing too, nice off the cuff touch to the show.
April 8, 2008

*/^_^\*
excellent episode….these are the one’s where the most is learned (more from failures than successes or somesuchthing)

i give it a 8.76+/- 0.3
April 8, 2008

Robin C
QOTD: I love sangiovese but don’t drink it that often.
Too bad about Mott. Maybe a t-shirt with Mott and friends: A Mottley Crew.
April 8, 2008

dz
Love old school Italian Sangiovese, not the kind blended with Merlot to internationalize them but the kind with even a little white grape in them. I had the 01 or 02 Luna in a restaurant once because it had a 90 pt. score from Spectator, my reaction was exactly like yours, this wine is just wrong-no good. As far as blending goes, 10-15 years ago I liked to mix a cheap acidic Chianti from Trader Joe with a Napa Ridge cab, neither wine costing more than $5 and complementing each other nicely, at least I thought so at the time. Why is this wrong? I thought we were changing the wine world whether they liked it or not.
April 8, 2008

T. Holland
GV, even though the wines bombed today, your little blending experiment had me laughing out loud. You have said it before & should say it again, WINE IS FUN!

QOTD: Have not been drinking much of any wine lately (in respect of my preggy wine, aka, my wine drinking buddy). Have been drinking beer though- Brooklyn Chocolate Stout- soooo good!
April 8, 2008

barrelmonkey
QOTD: Never had one. Hope to soon.

The best part of the show for me was your brief smile when you started mixing. You didn’t score the blend! A very different show, and I liked it a lot. Way to think on your feet! (or chair).

Peace, man.
April 8, 2008

NB_SPAZZ
QOTD: tried 5 sangiovese over the summer and was 0 for 5. All too tannic with too little fruit or anything else to enjoy. Haven’t tried any from California, though. Figured I’d wait a while and see if my pal grows to appreciate sangiovese, but in the meantime when looking to Italy, I’ve been enjoying reds from Piedmonte.
And about the MOTTSTER’s SHIRT… I refer you to my comment on episode #431:
“Family, family, family. If GV says Mott is like family, then it is time to put the tee-shirt where the mouth is! Whereâ€™s the LINK IT UP MOTT shirt, already?”
April 8, 2008

T. Holland
GV, btw had a great wine last week at X20 in Yonkers that I would have never tried if not for your show: Rosso Piceno Superiore, Velenosi, â€œRoggio del Filareâ€, Marche, 1998. Absolutely awesome pomegranite flavor w/ sour cherry with great structure.
April 8, 2008

elron
T Holland, the Brooklyn Chocolate Stout is good!
April 8, 2008

Caleb
Entertaining show, not bad at all.

QOTD: Not yet.
April 8, 2008

T. Holland
elron, my brother told me to try out St. Peter’s Oatmeal Stout. Said it is his all time fav stout. My local beer guy should have it in by the weekend. I love a good stout or any heavy beer for that matter, but I can’t wait to get back to wine, after we have the baby…
April 8, 2008

chefpaul
If you are in a position of mixing the wines, then you have probably already spent the money to have both wines, and I, like any responsible wine drinker, would hate to see them go to waste. So mix them up, and if it tastes good, then you have eight glasses to drink and share with your friends.
April 8, 2008

i can haz a shirt
that shirt is SO getting made.

http://tinyurl.com/3zmv2k
April 8, 2008

Bundydb
It’s never a bad show. And you always bring the Thunder GV!! Even if the wines you review are not good you still teach us something about them. We learn about the varietal, where it’s from, alternate names, their usual flavor profiles etc… The list could go on and on.

Hope you all are having a great week!!!!

P.S. Thanks for the (sort of) Mississippi shout out, lol.
April 8, 2008

Jerry the 2thdr
How about mixing the 2 wines until you get them the way you like them,then put them in a gallon bottle marked GaryVee Xperimental. I’ll but the first gallon. Jerry the 2thdr&better half
April 8, 2008

Orville B
nope

jb
April 8, 2008

zac weiss
I would really, REALLY be down for a lot more mixing on the show. I think I’m gonna start doing that! Like a really expensive (but TASTY!) chemistry set! I suggest you end every show attempting to get a 90 point hybrid from what you’ve tasted that day. YOU CAN DO IT!
April 8, 2008

Jeremy L
QOTD: funny that you mention it. right now i am drinking a 2005 Foxen “Sangiovese Volpino”. 72% Sangiovese 28% Merlot. Rockin. Showing a lot of ripe raspberry, some cherries, and a little smoke. nice firm tannins and back end acidity give this wine a super tuscan feel. WELL WORTH $32!
April 8, 2008

Eric Skillestad
No Sangiovese, but I did enjoy a tasty Moosehead or two this evening with some pals. Tough to beat a Canadian Lager….
April 8, 2008

thefanjestic
Qotd – not really.

Interesting show – I liked the music……
April 8, 2008

Wes M
qotd: I had a little bit of one at a tasting that was fairly good until I got in my car and I tasted green peppers all the way to work. It might have been a Gabbiano, but I’m not sure.
April 8, 2008

mazdaspeedy3
I honestly don’t remember the last time I had a decent sangiovese, they’re just not memorable
April 8, 2008

Nick Leung
You should mix all of your wines after you’re done scoring.
April 8, 2008

KennyMac
Even when wines bomb, Gary still manages to make the show interesting. The mixing was fun. QOTD: Not at this very moment, but yes, I have in the past.
April 8, 2008

Marshall
QOTD:Yesss!!! Infact, I just had a good Rosso di Montalcino last night but I forgot what it was called. I had a killer Brunello last week and a sexy Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. However, I had super tuscan that was kinda dissapointing.
April 9, 2008

Steve B
The oak monster was missed …
That was awkward, I could see it written on Gary’s face. Still a great show though!
April 9, 2008

Chrisfs
That was pretty awesome. Why not mix wines?? How many wines do you taste that say they are 60% merlot 30% blah blah 10% Cab Franc ? What are those winemakers doing ? They are mixing wines, just like you were. You don’t have two 79 pt wines, you effectively have 1.5 bottles of a much better wine only with “some assembly required”.
The wine mixing is all about doing things different. I may start mixing some wines myself, it looked fun. Though I’m a cheapskate so I’ll be mixing $8 wines, not $20 wines
April 9, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
AHHHHHH!!!! Sangio when you are bad you are soooooo bad. Watch Gary the mad scientist going crazy. Don’t like old world?? Don’t like new world?? Have I got the wine for you!!!! QOTD-NO!
April 9, 2008

Terry T.
This is only the third Wine Library TV episode I’ve ever seen and I am 100% depressed it has taken me over 400 episodes to patron the site.

I am not a wine guy (though I’d like to be) so I consider a lot of what goes on here really out of my league by a great degree. However, I have never wanted to purchase wine so badly before in my life; even when I worked as a waiter at an upscale steak house where I was serving wine at just about every table. This is the most killer-awesome, internet video show I have ever watched.

Thank you!

QOTD: I have yet to try a Sangiovese.
April 9, 2008

Pinuck
QOTD–Showket Vineyards, 1999 Sangiovese from California. Absolutely intriguing combination of cherries and pencil shavings (but in a delicious way).
April 9, 2008

kEITH
Good show, not all wines bring the thunder, it wouldn’t seem honest if you didn’t have some clunkers. Happens to me a good portion of the time. Never tried a sangiovese
April 9, 2008

RonC
Nice recovery.

QOTD: Haven’t drank any Sangiovese recently, but I did enjoy the 2003 Il Molino Di Grace Toscana Il Volano.
April 9, 2008

J Crazy
QOTD: Love me some Sangiovese

A Sirio: has some solid wines.
2005 Don Camillo Farnese: delivers for the price of 10 bucks.
Sangervasio: has a number of good to great wines (they’re ecowinerific too)
2003 Barone Ricasoli, Brolio: throws some knockout punches.
2000 Lisini, Brunello di Montalcino: Home maaflackin run.

On the American side;

Chateau Julien out of Carmel has a nice Sangio and a great Sangiovese Rosato that’s perfect for Sakura blossom viewing in the spring time.
April 9, 2008

Robert
I am surprised about the oak monster being present with such a long aging in French oak, I would have expected that if it were in American oak.
April 9, 2008

Rhonda
heck yes mix it up One of my favorite summer drinks is a shandy, beer and lemonade. Someone had to put those two things in one glass to create that happiness!!
April 9, 2008

Miguel Cavalcanti
QOTD Heck yeah! I’m nibbling TJ’s caponata and sipping Ferrero ‘05 Rosso di Montalcino as I write. And that’s where you went wrong–sangiovese is always a FOOD wine, not a solo sipper.

I agree with others that California is not a primo SG producer, but I enjoyed many Atlas Peak wines a few years back when Antinori SA was involved.

Ad hoc blending is great. I often do so with rieslings and agree with whoever earlier suggested a riesling show sometime soon.
April 9, 2008

RickD
Dude! This was a GREAT show. Mixing 2 bad wines to try to save it – instant classic! Are you authentic – hell yes! Things are better when they are not perfect. Hope you like the next wines a little better.
April 9, 2008

Micha
QOTD: LOVE Sangiovese? HATE Sangiovese? In my case something im between. This Grape is small with a thick skin, so it tends to have more tannin and accidity. In general, i like the aromatics of sangiovese, very food-friendly, and most are very true, but they need time. May favorites so far are La Brancaia, Argiano, Bartali..
April 9, 2008

Leif Sundstrom
funny thing is i decanted a bottle of 1997 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio Alle Mura 3 hours ago, while i was out doing some work, came home poured a glass and then turned on WLTV, what a coincidence! and this is a nice bottle. not the best brunello i’ve had but oh so nice all the same. so …

QOTD 1997 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio Alle Mura .

oh yeah.
April 9, 2008

Clifford
Loved the impromptu scientific experiment!

QOTD: The only Sangiovese that I’ve had was a few months ago at some Santa Barbara County wine tastings, but nothing knocked my socks off.
April 9, 2008

Harry Hertchuk
QOTD: Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale Oro vertical 1977/85/90/95/2001 w. Sandhill Small Lots Sangiovese 05 Okanagan, BC & others @ Vancouver Winefest Sangiovese seminarium…Will Tuscany’s Signature Grape Go Global?… http://www.playhousewinefest.com/page206.htm …PS – blending open bottles is the future…Balance is king…long live balance!
April 9, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: Good Sangio is tough to come by for me these days, but I did have a CRAZILY over-oaked version from Foxen recently that PISSED ME OFF. Solid spicy nose, then I chewed on a freshly cut oak 2×4. No bueno.
April 9, 2008

salvatore
Frescobaldi Nipozzano Reserva Chianti Rufina 2004—– Delicious

QPR= AAAAA+++++ Buy this one; you will sing a happy song thst you did!

Lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng finish; tasted this 15 minutes after drinking.

Rich dark berries, chocolate,cigar box……..
April 9, 2008

JordanW
QOTD: No, can’t say I’m down with Italy. When it isn’t bone dry it’s too thin. I guess I need to explore it more, but I’ve been disappointed.
April 9, 2008

Justin L Ove
Head 2 Head becomes Hand in Hand.

QOTD: Had a Sangiovese/Cab sauv blend by Seghesio called Ommagio. It was great! Super dry, but delivered true, massive fruit.
How about the Nozzole?
I WANT MY MOTT T-SHIRT
April 9, 2008

Bill
I couldn’t agree more. I carry the Luna as a distributor and they are pushing a bad product. I thought it was just me.

I haven’t had a good sangiovese in many months.

Any thoughts on doing a 2001 Brunello tasting?
April 9, 2008

Adam J
QOTD: No, my Italian kick has been Piedmont hardcore lately. The three b’s,(make that four with Brachetto d asti), Dolcetto, loving it all lately.
It was fun watching you do a little blending of your own. Lovely day!!
April 9, 2008

JerseyGirl turned CNY vayniac
QOTD: Nothing that I can think of recently.

Great show today Gary!
April 9, 2008

Nick
sangiovese is one of those grapes that is best from the country of origin…of course you still get bad wines italy like the one above.
April 9, 2008

Wednesday
Not recently. Bonny Doon treats Italian varietals with some respect though.
April 9, 2008

SaraMHCRU
My palate hasn’t wandered much into Italy yet, so I certainly haven’t had enough Italian wine to know what I like yet. I haven’t had Italian varietals made here, either, that I recall.

Enjoyed the experiment. I think it saved the day for an 0-2 show!
April 9, 2008

Steve B
Mannina’s Sangiovese from Walla Walla is very good wine. So is the Saggi from Long Shadows, which is a Sangio-Cab-Syrah blend.
April 9, 2008

Avi
Just want to add that Israel also makes a few (very few) good Sangioveses. The Golan Heights Winery has one under the Gamla label and the Tzuba winery has another. There are a few others, also.
April 9, 2008

Roland
Gary: You need to try the Niner Wine Estates Sangiovese from Paso Robles, CA. These people are serious about this grape! Roland
April 9, 2008

Ricky B.
QOTD- Yes I am drinking a lot of good Sangiovese all of it from Italy in the forms of Chianti, Brunello, super tuscans etc… Have not had much luck with California Sangiovese.
April 9, 2008

LarryTheWineGuy
Gary, The Sangiovese I have found outside of Italian ones that are really well made, I am sure you found out for yourself last weekend out in Washington. Even the Mass Producers of Washington State Wine like Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Merlot uses Sangiovese grown in Washington State as a blender but adds such a Nice Rosemary, Herb and Cherry Skin Component to the Merlots and the 100% Sangiovese and Sangiovese Roses I have tasted just like Cabs, Merlots And Syrahs just kick Californias Butt!!
April 9, 2008

Christine
QOTD: Haven’t had any Sangioveses that have knocked my socks off lately.
April 9, 2008

Martin
Not lately, but I do like it quite a bit.
April 9, 2008

Toby
Hey

Thanks for keeping up the steam and continuing to produce wine-shows!

I was actually quite excited to see the headline of todayâ€™s show and subsequently a bit disappointed, when the wines didn’t turn out to be good.

Because I LOVE Sangiovese-wines! Chianti Classico is one of the few wines both me and my father can agree on, so therefore we must have tried hundreds of different Chiantis together. Recently we were pleasantly surprised by the 2001 vintage of Rocca di Montegrossi D.O.C.G

Brunello is of course also one of the Kings of Italian wines, and often, when it has aged properly, it is indeed one of the best types of wine in the world (in my opinion).

I hope we get to see another show, where the Sangiovese-wines get a chance to prove themselves.

P.S.
Burgundy, Port and Champagne shows are (too) rare on WLTV. It would be very cool to see some more shows featuring some of these “subjects”!!!

Yet again – thank you Mr. GV, for making the wine-world a more interesting place to “be”
April 9, 2008

Jay
I’m glad you tasted the Luna. I’ve wanted to try that bottle for a while because I love transplanted sangiovese experiments. Apparently I need to get out to NJ because it’s about $8 cheaper in your store than it is in WA.

QOTD: Because of my financial restrictions keeping me from Brunello, I’ve come to really appreciate the texture that Washington sangiovese brings. I’m yet to find one that’s pulls everything together, but on the whole, pretty good stuff.
April 9, 2008

wayno da wino
I WANT MY “MOTT LINK IT UP” T-SHIRT!!!!! WEEEEEEEEH…WEEEEEEEEEH…….
WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHH !!!!!!!

QOTD: Don’t drink tooo much Sangiovese, but do LIKE it for a change of
pace, here & there.
April 9, 2008

Jim
QOTD
We have a couple of bottles of the 2003 Sangioviese (Nobile di Montepulciano 2003)from Avignonesi left but are woofully low on replacements. For Italian, we have been looking more into the Barbara’s and Nebbiolo’s for our reds.
How about an across the board show on Italian wines. Add some Italian cheese and I am so there.
April 9, 2008

Craig
I had two Sangiovese lately, one by a local amature wine maker – pretty decent with nothing dramatic but smooth flavors. The other by a local vinyard (Wollershiem to give them a plug). The Wollershiem winery Sangiovese was amazing. Clean, fresh, and then BAM, so much pepper you want to pour it on your steak!
April 9, 2008

FranB
Hadn’t had a chance to see your show in awhile…Nice to be back! Napa Valley’s Cosentino produced what I considered a very good Sangiovese-’04 Sangiovese Il Chiaretto. May be too oaky for your taste buds, but I’ve gotta admit I enjoy a visit from the oak monster once in awhile!
April 9, 2008

Isaac R.
Good timing for a sangiovese show! You should follow it up with a tasting of several different styles of brunello.
I am the tasting room manager at a winery in Montalcino, so I get my fill of sangiovese. In fact, as I write I’m drinking our 2005 Rosso di Montalcino as I write. I cringed a little when you called Rosso di Montalcino Brunello’s little brother. That kind of mentality is what makes it such a tough sell in the US. In reality, Rosso is completely distinct from Brunello and is the best example in the world of sangiovese in a pure, low oak form.
You’re right, 2006’s are still too young, but they should exceed 2005’s in clarity and ripeness, in my opinion. I’d love to send you some samples of our wines. We also do a Morellino di Scansano Cru which has a vegetal kick that I think you would love!
April 9, 2008

Darrin
I drink Sangiovese from Napa Valley all the time. I drink the Kuleto Estate Sangiovese all the time with Italian food or without food at all. Kuleto Estate is up in the mountains on the east side of Napa so this is a mountain grown Sangiovese. You should review it sometime….
April 9, 2008

JeffC
QOTD: Yes, love Sangiovese when I can find for reasonable pricing. Brunello’s tend to be out of reach for mass consumption but when I can find a good valued Rosso, I grab a couple.

Hey, whats the deal on the Mott T-shirt?? You’re pullin out leg, no?

Also, idea for WL. Maybe you should run a two bottle blow out deal, on the two you tasted. Buy two, mix your own for the price of one???
April 9, 2008

spaetm
I hear the ticking of the clock
I’m lying here the room’s pitch dark
I wonder where you are tonight
No answer on the telephone
And the night goes by so very slow
Oh I hope that it won’t end though
Alone
Till now I always got by on my own
I never really cared until I met you
And now it chills me to the bone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
You don’t know how long I have wanted
to touch your lips and hold you tight, oh
You don’t know how long I have waited
and I was going to tell you tonight
But the secret is still my own
and my love for you is still unknown
Alone
Till now I always got by on my own
I never really cared until I met you
And now it chills me to the bone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
Alone, alone

For 10 minutes Gary? What did you have it repeat?
April 9, 2008

Sean
How come this episode isn’t on iTunes yet? I rely on itunes to automatically download each show to watch on the train each day. The delay is preventing me from getting my fix!
April 9, 2008

Red Davis
Hey Gary, you’ve got a whole post on you over at the 37 Signals blog. Congrats!

http://www.37signals.com/svn/posts/956-gary-the-great-vaynerchuk-sets-the-example-of-how-to-succeed-in-business-today
April 9, 2008

JonBLodi
Our favorite Sangioveses are from Italy – of course! – including Castello di Brolio and La Fortuna.

There is one – and only ONE, I’m afraid – producer in California that really gets it: Vino Noceto in the Sierra Foothills near Plymouth. The terrain is remarkably similar to Chianti Classico, which is Jim Gullet’s inspiration. Plus… They’re actually affordable!
April 9, 2008

Taylor
Interesting show. Real bummed about the Mott shirts, but life goes on.
QOTD I haven’t tried sangiovese, but I would like to, just not either on today’s show.
April 9, 2008

Jon
Viansa Thalia has always been good for me. Its a Sonoma winery founded by Sebastiani. They also have a very good Piccolo.

Gary, get a bottle for a true Battle Royal.
April 9, 2008

Karl Laczko
No Mott T-Shirt? No fair, give the Mottster his due!

Mad at Sangiovese, poor Gary……

QOTD – I haven’t had a full blooded Sangiovese in nearly a year, although I had a Sicilian Nero d’Avola – Sangiovese belnd on Monday, and it was good.
April 9, 2008

NC Carl
NO, meh
April 9, 2008

Colin
Dude – When you whipped out the Mr. Wizard, I lost it! You kill. QOTD – No. My QOTD – Why the hell not?!
April 9, 2008

R M Kriete
Loved the show today…..been there many times….open a wine and Yuck! Open a different wine and ….meh!
April 9, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
I have not had one Luna wine I liked so I’m not surprised by this one. If I want Sangiovese I will really like it has to be Brunello. I have had a few CA Sangiovese wines that were OK but not the same quality.
April 9, 2008

Andy & Edie
Useful content of today’s show: 71
Entertainment value: 92!
Can’t win ‘em all Gary. Fun to watch as always though. Haven’t had a Sangiovese for a while now, but I did have a great Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo last week.
April 9, 2008

Cliff and Darcey
Don’t apologize; showing us what is NOT bringing the thunder is easily as important as showing what DOES bring it! Now we all know what to expect from these two! THANKS!
April 9, 2008

Johnnyutah
Im really high on Italy right now…there is just so much there! Recently had a Sangiovese/Cab Franc blend from Bolgheri that was delicious. The 2001 Caparzo Brunello brings it as well.
April 9, 2008

jaydanahy
Shows like this make me trust you more, Gary…that show brought the lightning.
April 9, 2008

elron
T. Holland, I love stouts and heavy beer myself too! Started off with what they call half and half years ago then went to lighter and now back to heavy again. The thicker the better; throw some mud in there! I gave my cousin the BCS and he didn’t like it. He said he’ll stick to his lite(water to me) beers.

Congrats to you!
April 9, 2008

Brad K
Best Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino is Donatella Cinelli Colombini!
April 10, 2008

Origin
Still a fun show to watch! And just as importantly, is that just because a wine isn’t great, doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with it!
April 10, 2008

Donna Marie
QOTD: It’s been a while…..a ‘99 Villa Cafaggio Reserve Chianti Classico stands out–beautifully balanced and some Cal-Itals such as Matanzas Creek and Garguilo.
April 10, 2008

bob Volatile
Any good Sangiovese?….you must be kidding!…Altesino, Valdicava, are spectacular….In California, try Del Dotto…………Ciao
April 10, 2008

Mike
Muscardini Cellars in CA. I thought it was really good. I have not tried a lot of Sango’s but I liked what I tasted at Muscardini’s
April 10, 2008

Ben F
Great Show GV love the Wizardary at the end!!! I have had a couple of CA Sangiovese’s that i enjoyed but i can’t remember the names
April 10, 2008

Kelly
I am fond of Barboursville (Virginia) Sangiovese. They also make a good Barbera.
April 10, 2008

jennepenne
I thought it was a great show. I was watching with some friends one night and they wondered if there were ever any wines you don’t like. Hearing you talk about negative qualities in wine helps complete the picture.
thanks
April 10, 2008

Pastore
I drink as much Sangiovese as possible!
April 10, 2008

spyder47
Tres decepciones! No Mott T-shirt and two crappy wines.
Thanks for the tip on avoiding young Sangiovese though.
April 11, 2008

Jimmyrice14
He’s dead on about sangiovese…my favorite old world wine but the rossa’s are way too young…even the brunello’s that are aged for five years need another few years after release…i bought a lot of 01 brunello’s and have tasted only a few because they need a lot of time…looking forward to 2011 when they are drinking up to their high 90’s ratings.
April 11, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Interesting show, love Sangiovese, your blend at the end made sense.

Q-Always trying to, love Italian wines in general. Had a nice Chianti the other day, Nipazzanno(spelling??) I think.
April 11, 2008

JÃ¸rn Idar
QOTD; Way too little Sangiovese… :-S No excuse.
April 11, 2008

TxBigD
D’argenzio Sangiovese mmmmmmm…
April 11, 2008

SJR
yes, had some good recent experiences with a Canadian version made by Inniskillin, part of their international series. Liked it so much the first time I bought another bottle on my next visit to The Wine Rack!
April 11, 2008

chenrys
Can’t like them all, it seems.

QOTD: Last was a blend, mostly Sangiovese, Altesino Di Rosso.
April 12, 2008

Peter (Mila's Dad)
You once did a tasting of another ‘baby brunello’–a 2005 Altesino Rosso di Montalcino, which I had and utterly loved. Outrageously priced at about 10 bucks at my local wine shop in Inwood, NY. Tried to find it, no luck, but recently bought three bottles of the 2004 version of the same wine, this time for about 25$ a bottle, at cost. It’s not showing with the same fruit, or pizazz–in fact quiet bland, but seemed to open up in its first tasting, at the end(again, tight nose, seems common w/sangioveses?). I’m afraid to open the other two bottles, if only to admit fully a possible mistake. Perhaps I should be decanting these for at least a couple of hours? Anyhow, these are ‘well constructed’ wines–it seems a very seasoned hand has crafted them to make subtle, enjoyable wines. Not the most challenging, either, but ok if you know that’s what you’re getting. FWI–your blending and comments were spot on, and hilarious. If my abuella can douse her Malbec with aqua con gas, you certainly can mix and match Sangiovese!
April 12, 2008

Jim
Jim S.

There is a great little producer called Fratelli Perata in Paso Robles that makes a pretty good sangiovese–The wine makers are two italian brothers and they have a kind of cult following in the Paso Robles area.

By the way, I have always wanted to try the wine mixing, but have not had the guts–that was fun to watch
April 12, 2008

ChinonRouge
Excellent show. Reflects my same opinion of these wines.
April 12, 2008

Jim in Atlanta
QOTD – I had a decent Montalcino this afternoon at a tasting. And I had some good Sangiovese in Italy at Christmas.
April 12, 2008

yowens
QOTD: Fonterutoli rocks it
April 13, 2008

tuscanbob
Drinking loads of good sangiovese. A couple of the finest I’ve had lately are the 2004 Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico Riserva and the 2001 Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva Coltassala. Favorite of all time is the riserva bottling of the vineyard we stayed at in Gaiole in Chianti in summer 2006…Borgo Casa al Vento. The wines of Castello di Brolio are a close second….left a 6 pack of those on the airport tram in Rome…oh that hurt.
April 13, 2008

Dan-o
To start, why do we always hear that cheesy song in the background – “how do I get you alone?”. You need to work on your background music variety.

Sangiovese – I am a big fan. Lately, I have had the Castello Nippozano Chianti Rufina and the Montesodi from the same producer and region (Frescobaldi). Very good stuff!

The best American Sangiovese that I have had is from Mietz Cellars. My wife and I really enjoyed it.
April 13, 2008

Ryan
QOTD – I just had a 2005 Santa Cristina Toscana Sangiovese (90 Sangiovese 10 Merlot) I enjoyed the wine as I do all Sangioveses and I got it for 12 bucks so can’t complain there
April 14, 2008

Keith Brown
This show DID bring the thunder Gary when you blended the wine. Brilliance! I only wish you had rated the blend, LOL. QOTD: Sangiovese is probably my favorite varietal (might have something to do with my Italian heritage, I don’t know) but I’m far from experienced or knowledgeable about it. One of the best Chiantis I’ve had recently was one you did on WLTV not too long ago and it was one of your best selling wines last year, but the name escapes me at the moment. I recently had my first “baby Brunello”, Tenuta Friggiali 2002 Rosso di Montalcino. I was very impressed with that even with it’s shortcomings.
April 15, 2008

David Cole
QOTD: Niner Estates, Bootjack Ranch Paso Robles

I liked the show and I think it takes “sack” to blend the wines on the go! It’s not anything that wineries don’t do! LOL!
April 16, 2008

Rudeman
QOTD: August Ridge Sangiovese. New winery on the east side of Paso Robles. Just releasing a very good Barbera and Nebiolo.
April 18, 2008

Omallley
Good Sangiovese?

No, not recently.

I had a similar experience with a Sandhill Small Lots program Sangiovese (2004, Okanagan Valley), where I was KO’ed by the oak monster. Although, I suppose “Aged for 20 months in new french oak” on the back label should have been my first tip off….
April 20, 2008

lee
I AM. i am drinking 2006 siro pacenti rosso di montalcino. drinking great right now.
April 21, 2008

Carlitos
QOTD. Lots of them. The 2000 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Riserva Rocca Guicciarda was one of the latest. I also enjoyed the 2003 Casanova di Neri Rosso di Montalcino.

Don’t give up on the Sangioveseh!
April 24, 2008

sadhuminstrels
05 Saggi from Longshadows in Washington. Delicious.
April 27, 2008

Tommy Vernieri
The 2003 Familia Cara Chianti Chianti Classico Riserva and the 2005 Luigi Cecchi & Figli Chianti Classico were both decent, but nothing too special.
May 1, 2008

thkorent
qotd: biondi santi rosso di montalcino 2004. They have 2 versions, the cheaper one. Competes with 50 Dollar rossos and Brunellos but comes at half the cost and yes, you can drink it nicely already now…
May 2, 2008

Kenny Hyder
QOTD: Foxen Sangiovase 2005. Trust me.
May 3, 2008

greez
Im kinda new to the wine scene but i tried La Carraia the Umbrian Sangiovese, a 2006 and I liked it just fine. Mabye my palate is’nt sophisticated enough to judge wines like some, but I have tried a good amount of reds in my life and this one aint bad at all.
January 10, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Love the Mr. Wizard action going on! That kind of makes me want to go out and do that. Sorry about the double-meh, though. QOTD: I have not, but its def. on my to-buy list at my wine shop.
January 28, 2009

Tom
Nice show. I have had a 3 case love affair with the 04 Casanova di neri rosso. It was more like a young adult Brunello. Sorry to hear that the 06 is such tannic mess. BTW, we have some killer wine nights with some really high end wines. After everyone leaves, the 1/8 bottles of wine are laying around and sometimes I mix them into one bottle. I have rarely been disappointed. It makes for a great bottle of wine the next night.