Charles Smith CasaSmith Cinghiale Sangiovese 2020

Drink now or cellar for another 8 years. No need to decant before serving.

Named Winemaker of the Year by both Food & Wine and by Wine Enthusiast magazines, Charles Smith has a stellar reputation for making elegant and poised Washington State wines from non-traditional grape varieties. The former rock band manager actually taught himself how to make wine after returning from touring Europe, and celebrated his first vintage in 1999 with 330 cases of Syrah.

This charming Sangiovese is crafted with fruit from the Wahluke Slope and Rosebud vineyards. Once in the winery the fruit is fermented in stainless steel tanks and then aged for 10 months in neutral French oak vessels. This gentle approach avoids overwhelming the natural character of the grape and preserves plenty of freshness and aromatics.

Strawberry, ripe cherry and hints of orange immediately burst out of the glass followed by deeper undertones of dried flowers and spice. The first sip reveals a medium body, punchy tannins, and a refreshing burst of acidity on the finish which helps to cleanse the palate. Elegance and poise are the main features of this wine, making it a great choice to pair with a generous charcuterie and cheese platter, roasted meats, or tomato-based pasta dishes.