The Gamla Sangiovese 2004 shows off ripe berry fruit notes, rounded out with dried flowers, orange peel, spice and nuances of oak. The wine's body is on the full side for this variety, with satisfying complexity of character and a nice finish.
Gamla Sangiovese is readily enjoyable but will continue to improve over the next couple of years and will age well for six to eight years following the vintage. We most enjoy Gamla Sangiovese with foods that have a good dose of fresh herbs. Try making a rub of mixed fresh herbs, olive oil, course salt and a bit of freshly ground black pepper and finely minced garlic. Work the rub into some double-cut lamb chops and throw them on the grill for a couple of minutes on each side. A great companion for Sangiovese!
The Vintage Colder-than-average temperatures and heavy rainfall typified the winter preceding the 2004 vintage. March and April brought unusually warm and dry weather causing early budbreak in our warmer vineyards. Relatively cool temperatures returned in May putting the season back on track for a hectic, relatively short harvest. Average yields and very promising across-the-board quality characterized the vintage.
The Gamla Sangiovese 2004 was made from two vineyards in the Golan Heights: El Rom and Ein Zivan. The kosher wine aged for one year in French oak barrels.
The Analyses Brix at Harvest 26.4 % Alc (v/v) 14.5 TA (g/l) 5.9 pH 3.50 RS DRY
The Appellation The Galilee (or Galil) is the most northern, and generally considered the best, appellation in Israel. The highest quality area within the appellation is the Golan Heights (or simply the Golan), the coldest region in Israel. The vineyards on this volcanic plateau rise from 400 meters (1,300 feet) above sea level to 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) and receive snowfall in the winter. The Golan Heights Winery is located in the town of Katzrin, in the central Golan.
