La Tierra is one of the most interesting Sangiovese-based wines from California. Varietal notes come through, but in this site those flavors have a level of richness and juiciness that is rare in Italian Sangiovese. Dark red cherries, flowers and sweet spices flesh out on the radiant, powerful finish. Enjoy it over the next 5-7 years.

La Tierra is one of the most interesting Sangiovese-based wines from California. Varietal notes come through, but in this site those flavors have a level of richness and juiciness that is rare in Italian Sangiovese. Dark red cherries, flowers and sweet spices flesh out on the radiant, powerful finish. Enjoy it over the next 5-7 years.

SANGIOVESE

Sangiovese may be the most recognizable red grape grown it Italy.  Sangiovese can be found throughout Tuscany and, depending on the subregion, is given a "local" name. For example, Sangiovese grown in Chianti i ... Read More »

SANGIOVESE

Sangiovese may be the most recognizable red grape grown it Italy.  Sangiovese can be found throughout Tuscany and, depending on the subregion, is given a "local" name. For example, Sangiovese grown in Chianti is also grown in the town of Montalcino.  There, however, the genetically similar Sangiovese (Sangiovese Grosso) is known locally as Brunello and thus Brunello di Montalcino is the given name of these hearty, robust wines.  Similarly, Sangiovese is the grape of the Vino Nobile de Montepulciano and Morelino di Scansano regions of Tuscany.  

Sangiovese can vary in its flavor profile depending on where it is grown.  In Chianti, the wine typically displays savory, cherry flavors with a rustic, earthy quality.  In Brunello di Montalcino, the wines tend to be a bit more rich and complex with notes of leather, dark cherry and fresh tobacco leaf.  Because of the grape's acidity, it typically pairs well with tomato based cuisine.  More structured Sangioveses are well suited for rich meats and hard cheeses.  

California

The largest domestic wine growing region in the United States is by far California.  California wines took international recognition in the 1976 competition known as "The Judgement Of Paris."  In this famous blind tasting, California wines were pu ... Read More »

California

The largest domestic wine growing region in the United States is by far California.  California wines took international recognition in the 1976 competition known as "The Judgement Of Paris."  In this famous blind tasting, California wines were put up against the best wines of Burgundy and Bordeaux - and won.

Today, California wines are among some of the finest made throughout the world.  For California red wines, grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot and Syrah are among the most popular.  California "meritages" have also become quite popular.  These red "blends" commonly use the classic Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, though many winemakers blend with other varietals.  For California white wines, grapes such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are the most popular - as they are throughout the rest of the wine world.  Whether red or white wine, the most popular wine AVA's (American Viticultural Areas) in California are the wine subregions of Napa Valley, Russian River Valley and Sonoma. 

California wines are often referred to as "New World" wines (as opposed to "Old World").  New World wines tend to be fruit forward and have new oak barrel influence, while Old World wines tend to be more mineral driven and have less oak influence.  Today, there is an emerging trend among California wineamakers to use less oak influence in their wines allowing the grapes' characteristics to better express themselves.