Wine Peeps is an independent wine blog dedicated to helping you get the most bang for your buck in wine. We do this through blind tastings of wine from around the world and calculations of 
Long Shadows Saggi
By Kori ~ May 9th, 2011.
Founded by Washington wine pioneer Allen Shoup, Long Shadows Vintners is a collection of ultra-premium wineries comprised of internationally acclaimed winemakers from the major wine regions of the world. Each winemaker is a partner in a unique winery dedicated to producing a single Columbia Valley wine representing a “best of type†that reflects the winemaker’s signature style.
Allen Shoup is considered one of the pioneers of the Washington wine industry. He was the CEO of Stimson Lane wine group for years. During that time, he oversaw their portfolio of wineries, including Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Crest, and forged relationships with many important players in the wine business around the world. Upon retirement, he pursued his dream of bringing some of the most highly acclaimed winemakers from different regions around the world to Washington to make world-class wines from Washington grapes comparable to the wines they make in their native wine regions. The Long Shadows winemaker-partners began crafting their signature wines in 2003.
Through the years, we’ve had the pleasure of tasting a number of Long Shadows wines. Recently, we had the opportunity to taste the 2007 Saggi in a blind samples tasting, which we found to be excellent. Saggi is a Super Tuscan-style blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, made by Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari, a father-son winemaking team from Italy. The Folonari family has a rich winemaking history dating back to the late 1700’s.
2007 Saggi (Columbia Valley, Washington): 43% Sangiovese, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 21% Syrah. Deep, dark purplish red. Nose is a bit tight at first and then opens up with black fruits and some oak. Black fruits, chocolate, licorice, and a hint of cinnamon come through on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity and medium, dry tannins. Well-balanced with a long, smooth finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 3 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to Buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $45; Available elsewhere, $39 to $50
Filed under: American Wine, Red Wine, Sangiovese, Washington State Wine, Wines Over $25
While Long Shadows wines are indeed excellent, I have a problem with the term – Super Tuscan and Super Tuscan style, just as I do with Bordeaux style and Rhone style, first there is no use of such term in Italy, second the wines using similar grapes as the wines in Italy, could never be Tuscan in nature or in style, since the terroir is so different and only Washington(ian) in nature.
Just my opinion.What is your opinion on this unimportant issue
: – ))
Sincerely, Alain.
itsoffal,
While I agree that a wine shouldn’t be called a Super Tuscan if it is not from Tuscany or Bordeaux if it is not from Bordeaux, I do think that calling a wine a Super Tuscan-style blend or a Bordeaux-style blend can be a helpful description. While there are obviously differences in terroir and winemaking, it does help to explain the grapes that were used. And in the case of Saggi which is made by Italian winemakers, I do believe that they are trying to achieve a Super Tuscan-style while using Washington grapes. As always, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the issue. Cheers!
thx, on another subject,who was the person who crossed Traminer and which other grape to get Gewurztraminer?
one more, what is the birthplace of Malbec?
not a quiz, I read things on both grapes, but I’d like to get more info to be sure. thx again.
itsoffal,
My apologies. I just realized that I never replied to your questions. As far as I know, Gewurztraminer is not a cross between Traminer and something else. In some places, the same grape is simply known as Traminer because it is believed to have been grown near the village of Tramin in NE Italy. And, Gewurz means “spice”. As for Malbec, I believe its birthplace is France but not sure exactly where. Some contend Bordeaux, others Burgundy, and others elsewhere in France. Cheers!