I don't get to taste Sangiovese from NZ often, so I was pretty excited when I received Black Barn Sangiovese 2020 for review. There are about a handful of producers of Sangiovese in NZ.
Sangiovese grapes are native to Italy; thin skins possess fine tannin and light colour. You will have tasted it if you have tried a Chianti. Sangiovese can be grown in most places, but they tend to grow best in hot, dry climates, especially on limestone soils. It is susceptible to barrel ageing, generally has medium alcohol levels between 13-14% Abv, range from medium to full-bodied, dry to taste and high in acidity with fruity (cherry, plum) and complex (herb, violet, smoke, tobacco, leather) flavours.
Black Barn's viticulturist and winemaker Dave McKee has joined Balck Barn Vineyards since 2001, only producing their Sangiovese in exceptional vintages, the last in 2009. The 2020 certainly have set a high bar.
Due to the limited availability, many Black Barn Vineyards' wines are only available through their cellar door, bistro, luxury retreats, and website. I imagine this would be one of them.
Read my review of Black Barn Vineyards Sangiovese 2020 below.
