Uvaggio, M.V. Sangiovese "Rosso Vecchio"

Tasting Notes:
A complex and fully evolved wine; with mature vinous aromas heightened by an oak component that complements the natural cherry and plum fruit flavors of this grape varietal.

Winemaker Jim Moore, who learned his craft with Mondavi and Bonny Doon Vineyard as well as his own label (Uvaggio, which is Italian for "Blend"), has crafted this multi-vintage blend based on Sangiovese grown in two of California's best growing areas – Santa Ynez and Napa.

Despite its Italian heritage, Jim prefers to age his wines in French oak - primarily 400 and 500 liter puncheons (quite large, thereby minimizing the oak influence and allowing for a more gentle aging), with a secondary aging in regular-sized barrels. Only ~20% of the wood was new and another ~10% was once used with the remainder being neutral - that is, imparting little or no oak flavor but mellowing the wine through the gradual aeration that occurs in oak barrels.

Bottling was in September, 2010, released early 2011.
o 14.6% alcohol
o pH 3.61 & TA 5.7 g/l
o 88% Sangiovese / 7% Vermentino / 5% Syrah
o 48% Santa Barbara, 45% Napa, and 7% Lodi