Michaud 2003 Sangiovese

Vineyard Notes:
It is rare in the United States that limestone occurs in areas suitable for vineyards. Limestone is a key component in the minerally flavors of great Burgundies and it is because of the region’s dramatic geologic history that limestone occurs in today’s Gabilan mountains.

The Chalone Appellation sits adjacent to the San Andreas Fault, the tectonic meeting of the North American Plate and the Pacific Plate. The great Pacific Plate that is west of the fault line was once and for eons the bed of the ocean. Countless generations of sea life formed a marine sediment that eventually compacted and became limestone, only to be thrust above the surface of the ocean by the great force of the grinding plates. The limestone combined with granite from the North American plate to form the ideal soil type; well-drained decomposed granite and limestone with some clay.

Winemaker Notes:
Sangiovese continues to grow well here and develops red cherry, cranberry, and pomegranate flavors. The mineral-like terroir and French oak contribute to a richly textured wine with a lingering finish. Sangiovese’s natural high acidity is moderated by the growing conditions here, resulting in a well structured, yet very accessible wine. This vintage was picked a little riper than usual to explore the stylistic possibilities.
Wines from this appellation usually develop dramatically after two to three years of bottle aging. They are enjoyable in their youth and this is facilitated by decanting one hour before serving.

Food Pairing Notes:
Serve with pizza, grilled steak/prime rib, roast duck, pasta dishes and homemade polenta.

Technical Notes:

Appellation:	Chalone
Varietal Composition:	100% Sangiovese
Harvest dates:	October 2nd, 2003
Aging:	20 months
Oak:	15% New, 85% 1-3 Year Old French Oak
TA:	7.6 g/L
pH:	3.34
Sugar at Harvest:	25.5 degrees Brix
Alcohol:	14.1%
Bottling Date:	June 20, 2005
Optimum Consumption:	2006- 2016+