2016 Saggi - 1.5L

Among Tuscany's oldest and most prestigious wine families, Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari teamed with Allen Shoup to produce a wine that showcases Washington State's terroir with plenty of Italian character. Saggi (meaning "wisdom") is a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.

The 2016 vintage was another hot growing season that required extra care in the vineyards. Building on the success of our canopy management program over the last few vintages, we worked with growers throughout the season to encourage growth of the canes and outside foliage to protect against the sun while opening up the fruit zone for even maturation. Warm temperatures in the fall hastened ripening, but the Columbia Valley's cool autumn nights protected the grapes' acidity resulting in rich and balanced wines. 

Handpicked grapes were gently crushed and fermented in small, two-ton tanks, then 5-10% of the juice was removed from the tank at the beginning of fermentation, a technique known as saignée, to enhance richness and concentration in the wine. Small lot, extended maceration for an average of 30 days provided refined tannins and a generous mouthfeel. Aged 18 months in all French oak barrels, 60% new.