SANGIOVESE
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Sangiovese is the primary grape used in Northern Italy in the region of Tuscany to make Chianti and also for Brunello di Montalcino. Sangiovese produces wines that are spicy, with good acid levels, smooth texture and medium body.  In the right climates and with controlled yields, Sangiovese can be made into very structured and full-bodied wines.

317 Chianti, Castiglioni, Frescobaldi Sangiovese, Toscana, 2006 Lots of blackberry and mushroom character on the nose and palate. Full, round and delicious. Scored 86 points by Wine Spectator. $26.00 320 Chianti, Classico, Riserva, Nozzole Sangiovese, Toscana, 2003 Very pretty aromas of blackberry, licorice and mineral follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a long finish. $44.00 314 Chianti, Classico, Riserva, Ruffino Ducale Gold Label Sangiovese, Toscana, 2004 A harmonious wine, with lovely silky tannins and medium-ripe fruit. Medium-bodied, with good cherry flavors and a medium finish. $78.00 316 Chianti, Classico, Ruffino Aziano Sangiovese, Toscana, 2005 bright, modern flavors of ripe cherries with a suggestion of sweet earth. $31.00 99 Chianti, Ruffino DOCG Sangiovese, Toscana, 2006 A well-balanced, harmonious wine which is complex but not imposing.  In the mouth it is dry and medium-bodied, with cherry fruit flavor, refreshing acidity and medium tannin. $24.00 315 Chianti, Rúfina, Riserva, Frescobaldi Nipozzano Sangiovese, Toscana, 2004 A blend of 90% Sangiovese with the final 10% consisiting of Malvesia Nero, Colorino, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Intense red currant, herb, chocolate and spice aromas, lovely complexity and a very long finish. $48.00 321 Cosentino, IL Chiaretto Sangiovese, California, 2004 and 2005 Spicy, exotic red and black fruit with hints of clove. A round, rich and balanced wine. $44.00 318 IL Poggione Rosso di Montalcino Sangiovese, Montalcino, 2004 and 2005 The 2004 has an intense, ruby red wine with ample, well-pronounced perfumes. It has great body and structure.  The 2005 vintage has pleasant notes of forest fruits. In mouth it is of optimal vellutato structure, persistent, with soft tannins. $61.00 319 Pomino Rosso Frescobaldi Sangiovese, Toscana, 2003 A majestic blend of Sangiovese and Pinot Noir aged in French oak casks for eighteen months. Classic, light ruby colour yet with pronounced black currant, red currant, coffee and chocolate characters. $57.00 322 Chianti, Classico, Riserva, Tenute Marchese Antinori Sangiovese, Toscana, 2003 Produced from the finest grapes grown on the Antinori Santa Cristina, Peppoli and Badia  Passignano estates in the Mercatale Val di Pesa zone in Chianti Classico. This wine has pronounced cherry  nuances on the nose. It is full-bodied with remarkable depth and structure. The finish is long and silky smooth. The wine is 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. $68.00 98 Da Vinci, Rivsera Sangiovese, Toscana, 2003 Ruby red with rich chromatic nuances.  Distinctly fruity with dark cherry overtones that are balanced with hints of vanilla and cinnamon.  This Riserva exhibits concentrated black fruits and is balanced by fine soft tannins. $52.00