2008 Stolpman Vineyards Santa Ynez Valley ‘Estate’ Sangiovese

About This Wine

“We have implemented revolutionary viticultural techniques.”

Those are the words of Tom Stolpman, who along with wife Marilyn founded Stolpman Vineyards in Ballard Canyon, just north of Santa Barbara, in 1990. It’s a 220-acre property with 152 acres planted to winegrapes.

Stolpman didn’t make his assertion in a boastful way. He was simply pointing out that his approach is not universally accepted. “Withholding water from the vines results in tiny, concentrated grapes and extremely low yields,” Stolpman explains. “And the Ballard Canyon microclimate of heat spikes, wind and cold nights creates intense wines with natural balance.”

Stolpman ages his Sangiovese for an extended period of time prior to release. That strategy paid off with the 2008 vintage, a wine that spent two-and-a-half years in barriques and puncheons prior to bottling. The wine is beautifully balanced — an undeniable beneficiary of “revolutionary viticultural techniques.”

About Sangiovese

Medium to full, dry, light spiced wine that ages well. Core of many great Italian wines including Brunnedllo di Montalcino, a rare, costly Tuscan red wine loaded with luscious fruits and chewy tannins.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:100% Sangiovese
• Grape Source:Estate Vineyard in Santa Ynez Valley
• Aromas & Flavors:Raspberry, Red Cherry, Minerals, Rose Petal and Hints of Asian Spices
• Aging Vessels:Oak Barriques for 1 Year and Puncheons for an Additional 18 Months
• When to Drink:Now Through 2014
• Food Pairing Suggestionpasta with a marinara sauce, or lasagna.

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Recipes.

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  French Lamb Shank Stew With White Beans This recipe, from "The Mauna Loa Macadamia Cooking Treasury," matches wonderfully with Malbec, Merlot Sangiovese or Rhone red blends. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
  

  Garlic Chicken Skewers Here's a low-fat recipe that's loaded with flavor. It serves 4, and matches beautifully with Sangiovese or... Get The Recipe
  

  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey or ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
  

  Pan Fried Lamb Chops This recipe, which makes 4 servings, features flavors that can be enjoyed with virtually any red wine. Turn it into a complete meal with a side dish jasmine rice. Get The Recipe
  

  Tomato Pesto Pasta A wonderful match with Cabernet Sauvignon, this recipe helps bring out the fruitful quality of the wine. It also matches nicely with other red wines, and serves 4. Get The Recipe
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  Pork Chops With Blueberry Sauce This recipe makes 4 servings, and matches wonderfully with Syrah/Shiraz, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Merlot and red blends... Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Salmon Penne Pasta In a world of "anything goes" food-and-wine pairing, we're always on the lookout for recipes that match well with either white or red wines. This is one such recipe, and it makes two servings... Get The Recipe