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Apolloni Vineyards 2014 Conti di Val Seriana Sangiovese
A Tuscan sun in Oregon
You can take the boy out of Italy, but you can’t take Italy out of the boy. A first-generation American, Alfredo Apolloni spent his childhood summers on the vineyard in Italy that had been in his family for over 150 years.
With wine in his blood, Alfredo knew he wanted to raise his children on a vineyard. So, after traveling the world and building a successful engineering career, he and Laurine bought land in Forest Grove in 1999 and planted grapes.
Why Forest Grove? Because the climate reminded him of his family’s vineyard south of Venice, on the Adriatic Coast — and he wanted his kids to have similar experiences.
With a strong commitment to sustainability, the Apolloni estate is LIVE Certified, including a geothermal barrel cave built deep into a hillside.
Alfredo works with winemaker Kevin Green to produce wines in an Italian style, albeit with Northwest influences. On the estate, they grow Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnay – and source bolder red wines from warmer, drier vineyards in the Columbia Valley that produce big Italian-style reds with character and heft.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Apolloni Vineyards, Forest Grove, Oregon
2014 Conti di Val Seriana Sangiovese
Sangiovese is, of course, a classic Italian varietal. First referenced in writings dating back to 1590, the name derives from the Latin sanguis Jovis, or “the blood of Jupiter”.
A grape that thrives under the hot Tuscan sun, it is typically found in the Rogue and Umpqua valleys in Oregon – as well as in the bi-state Columbia Valley to and, further east and north, in the Yakima Valley.
Made in a traditional Tuscan style, this wine is a unique expression of Sangiovese grown in the Pacific NW. There are lots of dark fruit notes of black currant, fig, plum, and dark cherry. Big and rich, this is a full and mouth-filling wine with deep tannins that finishes with hints of vanilla and mocha.
Pairs beautifully with hearty pasta dishes, roasted meats, and charcuterie.
A Cellar 503 selection in October 2020, Italian Varietals Columbia Valley | Sangiovese
