Sangiovese is the most cultivated red grape variety in Italy, and is present in many regions in the national territory. This grape is used both for single-variety wine, and to create important wine blends, such as Supertuscans.
Sangiovese is the king of the Tuscan grape varietals, and the Leonardo da Vinci Winery has decided to pay tribute to it. Indeed, from the grapes grown in the Villa da Vinci vineyards comes San Zio Sangiovese Toscana IGT, a mature, elegant red wine.
Sangiovese: history of the wine
The origin of the most cultivated grape variety in Italy, just like the origin of its name, has been widely studied over the centuries, but not without difficulty, considering that the information about it is fragmentary and unreliable.
The first written reference to Sangiovese dates back to 1590, but it is believed that the famous grape had already been well-known for over 2000 years. Indeed, according to the most plausible theory, the variety was originally cultivated between the River Tiber and the Arno by the Etruscans, and from there it spread throughout the rest of Italy to find its favoured terrain in Tuscany, Romagna and Umbria.
There are various hypotheses about the origin of the name, too. The two most likely theories are from those who believe it comes from San Giovanni (St. John) – because the vine sprouts in early June, at the time when this Saint is celebrated – and those who claim it comes from “Sanguis Jovis”, the name given to it by a monk from a monastery in Santarcangelo di Romagna, near Monte Giove.
San Zio Sangiovese Toscana IGT: characteristics
From the selection of the best Sangiovese grapes grown in the Villa da Vinci vineyards comes a wine that reveals extraordinary varietal expression: concentration, maturity, elegance and magnificent integrity of aroma.
San Zio Sangiovese Toscana IGT: winemaking and ageing
The grapes used for this Sangiovese Toscana IGT are harvested in the vineyards of Villa da Vinci around the end of September. After maceration on the skins for around 12 days, it is fermented at 28°C with frequent pumping over. It is then aged in stainless steel at a controlled temperature. Finally, it spends a short period of 2-4 months in oak barrels, to bring out its perfume, colour and expressive aromatic breadth, while respecting the grape’s natural fragrance.
San Zio Sangiovese Toscana IGT: tasting notes
San Zio Sangiovese Toscana IGT is an excellent expression of the Tuscan territory and the typical character of the “Sangiovese Grosso” variety, as it is called in this area. This Sangiovese is an elegant, refined wine with a vibrant red colour. Its bouquet offers up strong floral scents, and it has a fruity aroma on the palate, revealing hints of cherry, black cherry and red berries. In the mouth it has strong, relatively sharp tannins and a touch of acidity that testifies to the typical edginess of this red wine. Its impact is decisive, yet soft and elegant.
Sangiovese Toscana IGT: pairings
The most suitable food pairings for Sangiovese wine often prominently feature the typical dishes of the regions where it is grown. San Zio is an excellent accompaniment to Florentine steak, game stew, and other traditional Tuscan recipes. It also pairs well with mature cheeses and pasta dishes such as pici all’aglione or pappardelle with wild boar sauce.
