Sangiovese’s First Charm
Oceans of Sangiovese flow from Tuscany, lots of it cheap in more ways than one. And then there are heralded Sangiovese wines which sell at a premium, often only in export markets.
Somewhere in between is the classic, every-day Sangiovese, the kind that makes it a staple in Tuscany. The kind that you'd be served at a local trattoria, paired with Pappardelle al cinghiale, that makes you wonder, why can’t I find this wine at home?
Fattoria di Romignano nails it, and I'm excited to introduce both their Chianti DOCG and Natural Sangiovese IGT in California.
You can tell these wines are legit. They get rave reviews in the local market in Tuscany. And they are also featured in many New York City restaurants favored by Italian wine cognoscenti.
I just showed the Romignano wines to one of the authorities of Italian wine on the West Coast, and the fact that they are picking it up, it's clear we’ve got a winner.
The man behind Romignano is Riccardo Rossi, third generation vigneron. Like Sebastian in "1923" (Yellowstone), Riccardo's is a classic story of boy beckoned home to follow in his father's footsteps. Riccardo brought with him enology cred and a fastidious attention to detail. And he imbues a passion for simple elegance, perhaps a carry-over from his surfing days. All of these elements come together in his wines, and explains why they're a hit with consumers craving simple, delicious Sangiovese.
The estate is in the Upper Val d'Arno di Sopra (a narrow valley between the mountains of Chianti Classico and the Patromagno massif), an area best known for its famous wineries (Il Borro, Sette Ponti). Although most of the local Sangiovese wineries bottle under the Chianti DOCG or Chianti Colli Aretini, the appellation has risen in prominence after becoming the first DOC in Italy to require organic farming.
In addition to certified organic farming, Riccardo favors minimal intervention in the cellar. Native yeasts, all stainless. The result is a fresh, versatile style that originally made Chianti a sensation.
The two options we selected are both 100% Sangiovese: Chianti DOCG ($11 wholesale), and natural Sangiovese IGT Senza Solfiti ($12). The Chianti is classic, exactly what you imagine enjoying with a bowl of pasta set against the Tuscan hills. The Natural IGT is bright, fruity and pretty with notes of raspberry and lavender.