Soldera Case Basse Toscana 100% Sangiovese 2008 750ml

After the highly unusual and exotic 2007, the 2008 Toscana Sangiovese marks a return to a more classic Soldera style. Here the flavors are quite bold and savory, while the structure is that of a wine built for aging. Sage, rosemary, tobacco, mint and leather notes wrap around a core of dark red stone fruits as this vivid, crystalline wine shows off its personality and pedigree. Readers lucky enough to find the 2008 are in for a thrill. (Galloni)

• Country: Italy
• Region: Tuscany
• Size: 750ml
• Color: Red

Varietal

Sangiovese

The name of this grape, meaning ‘blood of Jove’ conjures up evocative images of long dead civilizations, and gives the Sangiovese varietal a sense of the holy, the sacred, the special. Indeed, this particular type of Italian grape has been cultivated and processed for thousands of years, and is said to be the original favorite grape varietal of the Romans, and the Etruscans before them. Throughout history, vintners have continued to plant this varietal, and they continue to produce wonderful wines to this day. The long bunches of very dark, round fruit are treasured by fine wineries in Italy and a few other places around the world, and when young, these grapes are lively ”“ full of strawberry flavors and a little spiciness. However, it is when they are aged in oak that they take on some truly special flavors and aromas, as seen in some of the finest wines of the Old World.