Harvesttime Vineyard Views

Harvest has arrived on the estate, and the vines are heavy with beautiful fruit! We can't refuse the opportunity to document and share the picturesque vines of every varietal.

Each block reaches prime picking conditions in its own time. This Cabernet cluster is beautiful but not ready yet!

These rows of Barbera are almost ready. In fact, we harvested the first of this year's Barbera fruit this week!

Throughout the vineyard, you see warm touches of fall settling in as well, like this leaf’s yellow fringe out in our Petit Verdot.

These productive Sangiovese vines have us thrilled for the 2024 vintage. 

Out in front of the tasting room, our young Cabernet vines are yielding gorgeous mature clusters

Nearly all of our white wine grapes have been harvested, but you may still spot a few rows hanging on. 

Subtle variations in climate, elevation, soil, and other variables give each block its own personality. 

Some clusters, like this Petite Sirah, are packed with grapes just waiting to be harvested

Other varietals, like this Cabernet, have clusters that are looser—but just as flavorful

This week, we harvested the first red fruit from the estate vineyard, including some Barbera and Zinfandel.

We carefully sort out any imperfections so we can create the best wines from our gorgeous vines. 

Thank you for taking this virtual walk through the vineyard! Come visit the tasting room anytime to take in the beauty—we are open from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm, seven days a week!

 

Essential Guide to Sangiovese

This month, we are celebrating Sangiovese. This classic Italian red is a delight to the eye and to the palate, pairing perfectly with a range of foods. An elegant and pleasantly balanced wine is welcome in this season of transition from summer heat to autumn crispness. This week, we are sharing essential information about Sangiovese for wine novices and connoisseurs alike.

Cal-Ital Identity

Long before we grafted Sangiovese into our Estate Vineyard, this old-world workhorse of a wine has been enjoyed globally for its medium tannins, delightful acidity, and fullness of bright, luscious red fruit. Sangiovese is the core component of Chianti Classico, growing prolifically in its home region of Tuscany and boasting the status of most planted varietal in Italy. In the US, it is much less widespread. We are proud to produce estate-grown Sangiovese right here in the Livermore Valley as part of our Cal-Ital mission. Early to bud and slow to ripen, Sangiovese grapes are tender and delicate while still resistant to drought, making them right at home in the Livermore Valley. We believe this varietal is worthy of acclaim!

Vibrant Varietal Characteristics 

One feature of Sangiovese (which you will also find in Italian Chianti) is that these wines are easy to drink young, but well-crafted ones improve over 5-10 years. This varietal’s deep purple grapes produce a gorgeous red color and cherry flavors, with intriguing flavor variation determined by the growing environment. Our 2020 Riserva Sangiovese boasts notes of wild strawberry, vivacious red fruit, and a touch of lychee. A hint of black pepper peeks through on the palate, and rich cherry flavor accents the lingering finish. This vintage is very smooth, with sassy floral notes and a mid-weight palate.

Solo and Supporting Roles

Sangiovese is a very bright varietal with reliable acidity, which means it lends itself well to blending with other varieties. With the balanced elements of fruit, acid, and tannin, Sangiovese is also a pairing superstar, especially with pizza and pasta, but also with meatloaf, roast chicken, and other medium fare. From simple table wine to astonishingly elegant luxury wines, Sangiovese can do it all! 

Sangiovese Pairing Inspiration

These wines are truly an absolute delight to drink, especially with food. After all, Italian wine should be enjoyed with good food! We lean toward Italian cuisine for pairing, including dishes like bruschetta, pizza, and caprese salad. Sangiovese’s food-friendliness also makes it a Charcuterie board’s best friend!

Recipes to try with Sangiovese

Bruschetta with Tuscan Peperonata 
Rustic Homemade Margherita Flatbread Pizza 
Cal-Italia Pizza with Prosciutto & Figs 
Chicken Caprese Spaghetti Squash
Bistecca alla Fiorentina 

Enjoy Sangiovese today! Our Riserva Sangiovese is perfect for September. Get it now for less while it's our Wine of the Month. Click here to shop now!