Sangiovese is a thin skinned grape, known for its savouryness and earthy characters as opposed to ripe berry fruit flavours. It shows an attractive red colour and can be characterised by high levels of tannin supported by ripe acidity. Sangiovese vines are well suited to soils with good drainage and abundant sunshine, both of which are found aplenty at Heathcote. The red wine of choice to accompany veal, prosciutto and sage or piquant chorizo recipes.
Sangiovese is harvested into 2½ tonnes steel bins, crushed into static fermenters and pumped over twice daily for twenty minutes each time. Temperature and acid levels are monitored constantly and adjusted as necessary, upon completion, batches are treated to an air bag press and racked off gross lees, followed by transfer to barrel for malolactic and a year's maturation in a selection of seasoned French oak barriques, topped up each month, as the angels take their share.
Ruby red colour. Earth and clay nose with mulberries, cooked rhubarb and licorice. Damp earthy aromas with mocha and chocolate over assertive tannins, good fruit sweetness and pleasant acidity. A lingering finish expressing savouryness over persistent, mouthfilling powdery tannins. Will match goats cheese or baked parmesan and onion flan.
