• It was over 35 years ago when I first vinified Sangiovese grapes grown in Sonoma Valley.  Being one of the first in the valley to make this varietal, I had only the great Sangioveses of Italy to emulate.
• Following the lead of the finest producers, I recognized that the red raspberry character, so prominent in many Sangioveses, needs other flavors to complete the mouth-feel.
• Into this 2018 Sangiovese, I have blended 15% Sonoma Valley Syrah and 4% Malbec to amp up the fruit character and add depth.
• The cooling fog and mineral-rich, red-soils of Sonoma Valley produce a long growing season and fertile environment for Sangiovese.  The result is grapes with concentrated varietal flavor and moderate natural acids.  2018 was a very warm year which helped our Sangiovese achieve optimum maturity.
• A perennial gold medal winner for five vintages, La Chertosa’s Don Silvio Reserve Sangiovese has achieved a special degree of complexity with the 2018 vintage.
• This is a full-flavored, palate-warming red with intense fruit, moderate tannins and balanced wood tones.  In the bottle, the wine has developed a roundness and elegance that makes it thoroughly enjoyable with food.
• The wine will continue to improve for up to two years with bottle aging.
• This Reserve Sangiovese salutes my kind Tuscan friend, Farneta Parish Priest, Don Silvio.

AWARDS:

• Platinum Medal, Monterey International Wine Competition
• Gold Medal, Press Democrat North Coast Challenge
• Gold Medal, San Francisco International Wine Competition
• Gold Medal, Denver International Wine Competition