2006 Helix Sangiovese Reinvents a Tuscan Classico
Anyone who has tasted the 2006 Helix Sangiovese knows that Sangiovese makes one fantastic single varietal wine. That being said, historically Sangiovese has been best known as a blending varietal. Sangiovese is an Italian red wine grape grown that has historically been produced in central italy. Although Sangiovese on it’s own isn’t as well known, most people recognize Chianti, the name of the blend Sangiovese is a main component of.
Chianti Crisis
Did you turn away as soon as we said Chianti? For many people, Chianti conjures memories of flabby, jammy cheap straw basket-ed bottles and kitschy Italian restaurants. Your caution is well deserved. Following the late ninetieth century, Chianti blends suffered a similar fate to many old world wines. The phylloxera plague devastated vineyards and wine growers across Europe. Many Italian vineyard workers immigrated to new countries in hopes on improving their lives. The depressed conditions led to planting and harvesting of less labor intensive and higher generating varietals such as Trebbiano. Trebbiano is very bland and neutral and is estimated to have made up at least 30% of many mass-market Chianis. In order to punch up the flavor, many growers would crudely mix in bolder varietals from Southern Italy.
The Rebirth of Chianti
Thankfully for wine drinkers everywhere, Chianti has made a comeback. We’ll tell you all about how that happened soon. In the mean time, if you want to try some prime Sangiovese, visit the Reininger tasting room.
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