From: Columbia Valley, Washington
Blend: Sangiovese
Taste: Considering that Covington Cellars was founded on its love for Sangiovese (and Cabernet Franc), it’s not a shock that this wine is so beautifully made and exceptionally food-friendly. In the glass, this gorgeous red is redolent with complex and rich aromas and flavors of ripe raspberry, cherry, strawberry, and red plum that meld seamlessly with more savory elements: leather, tobacco, and earth. An excellent example of Washington Sangiovese!
Pairing: With its inherent versatility, the 2018 'Sangio' pairs beautifully with a myriad of Italian delicacies, adding a delightful dimension to pizzas and pastas, especially those embraced by rich tomato sauces and rustic herbs. Complement it with a creamy mushroom risotto or a plate of sharp Pecorino cheese, emphasizing the Sangiovese’s vibrant flavor profile.
Ricotta Polpette in Tomato Sauce
By Anna Francese Gass
About. It all started with Cindy Lawson, a native Houstonian with an insatiable curiosity for the world of wines. At the age of 19, her fascination with the diverse wine regions and varietals began to unfold, and it wasn't long before her relocation to Edmonds, Washington brought her closer to the vineyards she admired.
Cindy's passion found a match in David, who, despite being a beer enthusiast initially, soon embraced the complexities of wine to win Cindy’s heart. This shared passion led to the inception of Covington Cellars in the mid-90s, a humble venture that started in their garage in Covington, Washington. A venture that began with hobby winemaking quickly transformed into a dedication to acquiring knowledge from the most prestigious institutions. Honing their skills in enology and food pairing until, in 2002, Covington Cellars transformed from a passion project into a business in Woodinville, marking their steadfast commitment to producing exceptional wines.
Joining the duo in 2007 was Morgan Lee, the Purdue graduate who brought a wealth of experience and accolades to Covington Cellars, steering the wine production to new heights and garnering recognition as a "Winemaker to Watch" by Seattle Magazine. Under his diligent supervision, the Covington and Two Vintners wineries have flourished, receiving domestic and international acclaim.
The 2018 'Sangio' is a product of the knowledge and meticulous craftsmanship that Covington Cellars embodies. Comprising 100% Sangiovese grapes sourced from the renowned Boushey and Seven Hills Vineyards - Boushey grapes representing 68% percent of the 2018 vintage, while Seven Hill brings 32% of the Sangiovese blend.
Boushey Vineyard is managed by the pioneering grower Dick Boushey. Situated at the fringes of Grandview, Boushey Vineyard enjoys a more temperate climate compared to other regions within the Columbia Valley. At an altitude that peaks at 1,400 feet, the vineyard's terrain is a rich amalgamation of silt loam and windblown loess, layered upon deposits left by the Missoula floods, all overlaying a base of fractured basalt. The vineyard, home to the earliest plantings of Sangiovese and Syrah in the region, offers a unique terroir characterized by these layered soils and mild temperatures.
The Seven Hills Vineyard epitomizes advanced viticulture, with its perfect location offering excellent soil and air drainage. The stringent control on yields and technologically advanced canopy management techniques ensure uniform fruit ripeness, culminating in a premium quality harvest year after year.
According to the official website, Seven Hills uses technology to its advantage: “The vertically trained canopy, controlled cluster spacing and sunlight exposure generates uniform fruit ripeness. Soil moisture is monitored daily by computer with sophisticated drip irrigation scheduled to augment vine development yet limit excessive canopy growth. Yields are strictly controlled to assure ultra-premium quality.”
