I’m a big fan of sangiovese, but I’m also a little prejudiced with a preference toward Italian sangiovese. I particularly like sangiovese via Brunello di Montalcino (which usually doesn’t qualify as a “cheap” wine). I don’t rule out the possibility that other regions can do good things with sangiovese, but Italy has much more experience with it. And since the grape is native to Italy, I feel like it’s best when it’s grown there.
At the same time, I’m quite curious when I come across sangiovese from other regions. I want to see how the grape expresses itself when grown in other regions. And that’s why I was excited when I saw this Argentine sangiovese from Tercos.
How did it measure up? It’s not what I would expect from a sangiovese, but it’s good in its own way.
This wine is loaded with spice notes, such as nutmeg and cedar. It also shows plenty of strawberry and black currant on the nose. Plus there’s a touch of chocolate in there too. The palate is fairly fruit-forward, offering cherry, currant and strawberry flavors with a touch of spice. The tannins are moderate, although the bitter of them hangs on the finish. The acidity is good too.
Like I said, this isn’t what I would typically look for in a Sangiovese, it’s a bit more fruit-forward and doesn’t have the perfume/floral notes I typically find in a good Italian sangiovese. But this is still an enjoyable wine.
Wine: Tercos
Variety: Sangiovese
Vintage: 2010
Alcohol: 13.3%
Rating: 85
Price: $13.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.