Stolpman 2005 Sangiovese
$36.00
While Stolpman is best known for its achievements in the Rhône varietals, we have taken a great interest in Sangiovese. Working side by side with Tuscan enological consultant Alberto Antonini, we have sought to create a new world Sangiovese that still maintains the structure and texture of the great wines from Montalcino and Montepulciano. We chose to keep the 2005 Sangiovese in barrel for just over two years, which allows the wine to develop unique character found in few wines around the world. The Sangiovese vine is a notoriously difficult varietal to grow. If careful canopy management and irrigation control are not in place, the fruit can result in a wine that is out of balance, with too much acid and vegetal flavors. We employ an extra shoot on each vine laid over the fruit zone to protect it from sunburn, a common characteristic of Sangiovese. The 2005 growing season was extremely wet, with more than double our normal winter rainfall. Temperatures remained cool through April and May making a late bud break. The heavy winter rains left ample water in the soil for the vines, creating concern throughout the summer of controlling vine vigor. Numerous cluster thinnings were necessary to guarantee even ripening, full maturity and ripe tannins. Harvest of the Sangiovese did not begin until November, the latest harvest on record. Bright red fruit and fresh acidity give the 2005 Sangiovese lift and freshness on the palate—a great example of what Sangiovese can do in California.
More Information
- Year: 2005
- Varietal: Sangiovese
- Region: Santa Ynez Valley
- Wine Maker:
- Vineyard: Stolpman
