Fallbrook Winery, South Coast (California) Sangiovese 2010

The Fallbrook estate is situated 30 miles north of San Diego. Its hillside vineyards are planted to cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, syrah, sauvignon blanc and sangiovese in soils that are mostly decomposed granite. The Pacific Ocean, about 12 miles away, ensures cool nights following those very warm southern California days, with the lower temperatures working to preserve freshness in the grapes. Perhaps that’s the reason this vineyard along the 33rd parallel is able to produce sangiovese with such mouth-watering acidity and bright black cherry fruit. This is a well-proportioned sangiovese that is closer to Chianti Classico than most any other California sangiovese you might taste. It has the firm structure of a top-notch Chianti but the fleshy fruit of a New World sangiovese, a rare combo. Serve with antipasti or savory grilled meats.