There’s a common theory that Sangiovese from McLaren Vale and the Barossa lacks varietal verity – and that’s not really a bad thing anyway but…I beg to differ. I think Sangiovese from these areas does taste like Sangiovese. Just not Sangiovese as we know it.
Take this example. Sour cherries dominate any black fruits, it’s pippy and chocolatey but it has a savoury dried herb streak. Corrugated Iron sheds and almonds too. Plenty of acid (decant for now), chewy tannin. Sounds like Sangiovese to me. Yes it’s a bit plusher and the fruit is darker and stronger but I would still hope to pick it blind. Anyway, ultimately who cares? It tastes good. That’s what really matters. Good
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 14.0%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $35
Tasted: March 2012