Friday, August 15, 2014

One for the tub: Sagrantino.

I have never been one for fads (and I'm not athletic enough to jump on the bandwagon), but I have always thought the '100 Grape Challenge' (1GC) is quite an interesting concept and a harmless sidebar to one's personal wine knowledge and enjoyment.  The 1GC is perhaps a decade old now and whilst I have never formally bothered to document all the different grape varieties I have tried over the years, the idea of the 1GC is always in the back of my mind when I try a new grape.  I have just added another variety to my personal list.
The Sagrantino grape hails from Umbria in central Italy: it is a intensely pigmented grape which produces a deeply coloured wine.  Sagrantino, and the wine that is produced from it, was new to me until I tried a bottle of Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, (yes, the same Jacuzzi's who brought the world hot tubs and spas), 2011 Sagrantino, Tracey Hills (San Joaquin County, CA).  The wine was heady and luscious, but at the same time mellow and silky.  The nose was delightful.  On the palate lots of blackberry and black cherry abounded with an almost sweet, tongue-pleasing fatness to the mouthfeel.  The Sagrantino surprisingly held it's own against Thud's spicy-sweet goulash (served over gigli) and quickly disappeared from the dining table.  Hate when that happens, but the wine was a hit with everyone.  Now, I have to try the Italian version.

7 comments:

New Hampshire Wineman said...

VG: I've had a few of the Italian Sagrantino wines; All very good!
I've never seen a domestic representation, and I am just a little envious!
The last one I tasted (Cecchi) had the cherry too!

Vinogirl said...

NHW: No, I'm the envious one because I can't get anything other than domestic wines in my neck of the woods.

Thomas said...

The Italian versions are sometimes--often?--blended. The ones I've consumed were mostly silky but not as big as what your description implies for the Jacuzzi version. The Italian ones have reminded me of Bordeaux, in a good way.

I have not had a California version, but I doubt San Joaquin and Umbria share much in the way of climate.

Vinogirl said...

Tomasso: I very much doubt that the San Joaquin and Umbria climates are even remotely similar, that is why I want to try an Italian Sagrantino. Any particular producer you would recommend?

Thomas said...

If you can find it, Antonelli San Marco, Sagrantino di Montefalco is a fine representation of the varietal wine.

You might have an easier time finding Terre di Trinci Sagrantino di Montefalco. This producer offers a non-vintage version as well. Its wines are usually less expensive than most Sagrantini.

Thud said...

Twas rather good for a local.

Vinogirl said...

Tomasso: Thanks, I'll have a search for the Antonelli San Marco.

Thud: Twas.