From: Santa Barbara County, CA, USA
Varietal: Sangiovese
Taste: The 2021 Stolpman Vineyards Love You Bunches Carbonic Sangiovese presents itself with a vibrant, translucent ruby hue, captivating the eye and inviting the taster to explore its lively character. On the nose, an enticing bouquet of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and wild cherries combines with a subtle hint of fruit roll-up, creating an aroma that is both playful and alluring. As the wine graces the palate, the bright acidity dances alongside the crunchy red fruits, displaying a beautiful harmony and balance. Hints of dried herbs, such as thyme and sage, add depth and complexity, while the gentle carbonic fermentation brings a slight effervescence that elevates the overall experience. The finish is clean and refreshing, with lingering notes of wild cherry and pomegranate that entice the taster to take another sip.
Pairing: The zippy acidity and bright fruit profile of the 2021 Stolpman Vineyards Love You Bunches Carbonic Sangiovese make it an incredibly versatile wine for pairing with a variety of dishes. Its lighthearted nature complements casual fare, such as pizza or BBQ chicken. The wine's refreshing acidity also works well with richer dishes like teriyaki chicken (see below for recipe) or kal-bi, cutting through the richness and providing balance.
For vegetarian options, the 2021 Stolpman Vineyards Love You Bunches Carbonic Sangiovese pairs exceptionally well with tomato-based dishes, such as pasta with marinara sauce or a hearty ratatouille. The wine's acidity complements the natural acidity in the tomatoes, creating a harmonious dining experience. Grilled or roasted eggplant dishes, like eggplant parmesan or baba ghanoush, also make excellent pairings, as the wine's brightness and freshness accentuate the earthy, smoky flavors of the eggplant. Additionally, consider pairing the wine with a summer vegetable quinoa salad, featuring ingredients such as roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, dressed with a lemony vinaigrette. The wine's lively character and acidity will provide a perfect counterpoint to the dish's fresh, vibrant flavors.
Chicken Teriyaki
Recipe from Sujan Shrestha
Adapted by John T. Edge
About. With a delightful backstory and an equally delightful taste, the 2021 Stolpman Vineyards Love You Bunches Carbonic Sangiovese has quickly become a favorite among wine enthusiasts. This lighthearted, carbonic Sangiovese hails from Santa Barbara County, California, and it has a story that's just as captivating as the wine itself.
The Origin. The inspiration for the Love You Bunches label can be traced back to a wedding in Flathead Lake, Montana, in August 2016. It was there that the 2015 vintage of Carbonic Sangiovese was served, and a charming pun was born in the comments of an Instagram post featuring the wine. The playful phrase "Love You Bunches" perfectly captured the spirit of carbonic fermentation and the passion that goes into making this unique wine.
The Process. The creation of Carbonic Sangiovese is a delicate process that requires a gentle touch. Whole bunches of grapes are carefully harvested and placed into a tank without breaking the skins. The winemakers then wait patiently for up to three weeks for the sugar within the grapes to ferment, eventually transforming into the light and refreshing red wine that we know and love.
The People. Pete Stolpman has been at the helm of Stolpman Vineyards since 2009, and his dedication to experimentation in both the vineyard and winery has led to a new standard of quality. Alongside his work with Stolpman Vineyards, Pete collaborates with other winemakers to produce a variety of unique and innovative wines, further solidifying his reputation as a pioneer in the industry.
