by Fred McMillin for February 24, 1997 From Tuscany with Love Prologue: SANguis, Latin, "blood" JOVe, alias Jupiter, the CEO of the Roman gods Sangiovese, pronounced SAN-JOV-ay-seh, the blood of Jove The Rest of the Story: About the time the Romans regarded Jove as ruler of all other gods and of all men, a grape of destiny was evolving in Tuscany near Florence. Today it's known as Sangiovese, the dominant grape of Italy's best-known wine, Chianti. Furthermore, this warm-climate varietal is being planted in California with considerable success. In fact, the grape is commanding higher prices ($1,300 per ton) than Merlot ($1,100) or Cabernet Sauvignon ($970). My Scott's-on-Lombard panel just tasted the Flora Springs 95 Sangiovese, and were impressed. It is not a purple powerhouse, but more user friendly.. more fruit than tannins, etc. As our history professor-panelist Henry Cohen put it, "By Jove, this is a good wine." 1995 Sangiovese, Napa Valley, CA Flora Springs Winery Zinfandel Lane, St. Helena, Napa Valley, CA Contact—Julie Garvey, (707)963-5711 $15 Recommended, particularly for beginners who are not ready for heavy reds. About the Writer Fred McMillin, a veteran wine writer, has taught wine history for 30 years on three continents. He currently teaches wine courses at San Francisco State and San Francisco City College and is Northern California Editor for American Wine on the Web. In 1995, the Academy of Wine Communications honored Fred with one of only 22 Certificates of Commendation awarded to American wine writers. Global Gourmet | FoodDay Copyright © 1997 the electronic Gourmet Guide, Inc. All rights reserved.

Welcome to WineDay, the electronic Gourmet Guide's daily update. Monday through Thursday, WineDay presents a wine profile. Then on Fridays we present the Winery of the Week to take you through the weekend Current WineDay January WineDays 02/22/97 From Tuscany with Love 02/21/97 Winery of the Weekl The Steele Appeal 02/20/97 That Picky Pinot 02/19/97 This Is Dan Lee's Cup of Tea 02/18/97 The Grape Washington Loves 02/17/97 Bordeaux Down Under 02/14/97 Winery of the Week: The Chandon Cyclone 02/13/97 A Sublime Valentine, Born of Tragedy and Triumph 02/12/97 The Queen of Chardonnay 02/11/97 The Best of Barbera 02/10/97 A Short Port Report 02/07/97 Winery of the Week: Jekel's Rocks, Vines & Wines 02/06/97 A Grape for the Lake 02/05/97 Last Rites for Sulfites 02/04/97 From Assisi to Sonoma 02/03/97 A Zinfully Good Bargain