A bright cherry-raspberry aroma with a hint of vanilla and oak-spice tantalizes the nose. On the palate, the cherry-raspberry flavors are sweet with a pleasing toasty-vanilla layer.

The 1998 vintage consisted of a wet, El Niño spring and a mild summer. The grapes were picked at 23.4° Brix. Half of the grapes were fermented in small oak barrels, lending a sweet vanilla character, while a small amount of the fruit was left whole cluster, which accentuates the cherry varietal character. The remaining part was cold macerated in tank and then fermented. The wine underwent malolactic in barrel and was then aged for 18 months for bottling. It was egg white-fined.

Medium red color. Aromas of bright cherries and sweet vanilla precede fresh cherry-raspberry fruit flavors with a hint of cola-spice, vanilla and lightly toasty nuances.

Bonterra Sangiovese flatters tomato-based chicken or sausage pastas, grilled flank steak, pan-seared pork tenderloin, and eggplant parmigiana.

INTERNATIONAL WINE AND SPIRIT COMPETITION 2001:
Winner, The Antinori Trophy for the Best Sangiovese