1998 Pizzini Sangiovese

Winemakers and wine lovers are divided on the merits of Sangiovese. For those who do not know what Sangiovese is, a brief recap may be in order. The variety is said to be a native of Tuscany in Italy where it produces a variety of wine styles. The general experience with the variety comes via an inexpensive 1.5 litre magnum. The wines are relatively poor in colour (due to it being a low pigment varietal) and relatively high in tannin. So why all the fuss? Discuss the varietal with sensible winemakers and they become passionate advocates of the variety, claiming that the Italians have not done the variety justice. The accusations are all too familiar, overcropping, the wrong clones, poor viticultural practice and indifferent winemaking. We talked to Master Cabernet winemakers, Mario Marson and John Wade, and they are both convinced that one day Sangiovese will become as popular as Shiraz or Cabernet. Time will tell!The Pizzini Sangiovese is a top example of what the varietal is capable of producing, it even has very good colour. Medium weight, crimson mauve colour. Delightful nose of spice and violets with notes of mixed ripe berries and aniseed, which is followed by a subtle earthy end note. Excellent weight, with flavours of spice, mixed berries, blackberry and mulberry. Excellent length with fine dry tannin structure. Clean acid finish, followed by aftertaste of aniseed, violets, spice and earth. Cellar 5-8 years.