Champagne Wishes: Santa Cristina Sangiovese 2009 Highly Recommended by the Champagne Wishes Panel of Whom You Know
VINTAGE
*Heavy rain during the winter and early spring provided ideal irrigation and moderate temperatures for normal budbreak and vegetation growth.
*Rainfall in June and July presented a challenge to maintain a proper fruit to vegetation ratio.
*A dry spell in August allowed maturation of the grapes to proceed normally.
*The Merlot was harvested the first 10 days of September, followed by the Cabernet Sauvignon, and finally the Sangiovese, which was harvested at the end of October.
HISTORY
Santa Cristina was originally introduced in 1946 as a Chianti Classico by Piero Antinori’s father, Niccolò. However, with the passage of the 1984 DOCG laws requiring lower vineyard yields, Chianti Classico grapes became so complex and rich that they required more aging than this fruity, fresh wine should have in order to maintain its style and character. Santa Cristina moved away from the Chianti Classico designation with the 1987 vintage, becoming a Toscana IGT, the same designation shared by many top Super Tuscan wines. With the 2009 vintage, Santa Cristina is returning to its roots with a classic new look and a more modern wine style. For the first time, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon has been added to the blend giving the wine greater intensity of fruit and a rounder, smoother style.
VINIFICATION
*De-stemming and soft crushing maceration lasted about one week in stainless steel tanks during which the wine completed its alcoholic fermentation.
*It was then racked and completed malolactic fermentation.
*The wine was aged for six months in oak barrels, and then was blended, lightly clarified, filtered and bottled.
The winemaker tells us: Ruby red color with an intense bouquet of cherry and raspberry fruits, along with hints of violet and tobacco. Smooth and well-structured on the palate with delicious tannins and a persistent finish.
Origin:
Toscana IGT
Blend
85% Sangiovese
10% Merlot
5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol
13%
The Champagne Wishes Panel Raves:
Looking for a wine that is equally fantastic to enjoy a glass on it's own as well as one that pairs well with food can, at times, be like looking for a needle in a haystack. I am happy to say that Santa Christina's 2009 bottle of Sangiovese does not disappoint! Quite the contrary this wine is superb find. Happy on it's own, it is a great bottle to bring to your friend's house to enjoy over a little gossip! I am a big fan of Cabernet Sauvignon, and this bottle, while light on this varietal, seems to bring out the best of all kinds with it's mix. No purist should have concern. The formula of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon has hit the mark. As suggested above, I brought this bottle out for a girls night in, and was able to enjoy while making dinner and with our meal. The fruity aroma is robust without being silly. I uderstand that there is some violet added into this wine. Whatever it is, I love it! I must also point out, so did my girlfriend who insisted I text her the info ASAP so she could get a bottle herself!
As I was reading through the information about what kind of wine this is, I was surprised to see it was a mixture of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. I could taste a hint of the Merlot and Cabernet. I normally prefer sweeter rather than more dry wines, but found this one pleasantly surprising. I really did enjoy it. It still had a sweet taste to it that wasn't overpoweringly sweet. I also found the aroma to be like raspberries ready to eat. I found I really enjoyed pairing this wine with mozzarella cheese than anything else. It did pair nicely with Italian dishes, too. It had such a rich flavor and aroma that I wanted to savor every sip. For me, this is going to be my favorite end of the summer day wine that I'll sit outside and enjoy at the end of the day. I can't wait to order more!
