2020 Saggi
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.
Budbreak was later than usual in 2017 due to a cool, wet spring, but temperatures warmed nicely for bloom. Conditions moderated in early summer before warming again in July to drive total heat accumulation a bit above average for the season. Harvest began towards the end of August, then temperatures cooled considerably in mid-September to extend hang time and allow the grapes to reach full physiological maturity without spiking sugars. The resulting wines are rich and expressive, displaying excellent acidity and structure that is reflective of the quality of the vintage.
Handpicked grapes were gently crushed and fermented in small, two-ton tanks. Then, using a technique called saignée (French for “to bleed”), 5-10% of the juice was removed from the tank at the beginning of fermentation to increase the proportion of grape skins to juice. This results in a richer, more concentrated wine. Small lot, extended maceration for an average of 30 days provided refined tannins and a silky mouthfeel. Aged 18 months in all French oak barrels (60% new).
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Varietal | Sangiovese |
| Varietal Composition | 59% Sangiovese
24% Cabernet Sauvignon
17% Syrah |
| Appellation | Columbia Valley |
| Acid | .63 grams/100 ml |
| PH | 3.61 |
| Alcohol | 14.80% |
| Wine Style | Red Wine |
| Volume | 750 ml |
THIS WINE HAS NOT YET BEEN REVIEWED.
Saggi is a blend of two distinct Washington State Sangiovese vineyards. Candy Mountain Sangiovese is grown in a warm area of the Columbia Valley. It delivers grapes with ripe, black currant aromas and flavors. Boushey Vineyard Sangiovese, grown in the Yakima Valley, is a cooler site that brings brightness and balanced acidity to the blend. Boushey is also the source for Saggi’s Syrah. It is used in combination with Cabernet Sauvignon from the Wahluke Slope, predominately from Stone Tree Vineyard, to build structure and richness.
The father-son team of Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari, one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious Tuscan wine families, joined Long Shadows in 2006 to create Saggi, a Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese blend, bringing their winemaking expertise from A. & G. Folonari Tenute, a collection of small, ultra-premium wines from the family's numerous Tuscan estates.
Since the beginning, Long Shadows director of winemaking and viticulture Gilles Nicault has collaborated with the Folonaris on Saggi's vineyard sourcing, winemaking and blending. In the fall of 2016, Gilles assumed complete winemaking responsibilities for Saggi after the Folonaris found it increasingly challenging to make the numerous trips overseas that the project requires.
Long Shadows founder Allen Shoup originally met the Folonaris through mutual friend Piero Antinori. It was Allen who introduce Piero to Washington State while at the helm of Chateau Ste. Michelle, and it was Piero's regard for the vineyards of the Columbia Valley that piqued the Folonaris interest in creating a wine true to Washington terroir with plenty of Tuscan character. Gilles continues that tradition, honoring the quality and style of wines the Folonairs inspired.
