Inspired by out Italian ancestors, Forte is a Super-Tuscan blend of Amador County Sangiovese and Napa County Cabernet Sauvignon. These varietals seem to work in unison as the fog-shrouded mornings and alluvial soil of Napa County allow the Cabernet Sauvignon to reach stellar levels of fruit and concentration, while the bright sunshine of Amador County ripens the Sangiovese with great body and flavor. Flavors of dark candied fruit and black cherry followed by spiced nutmeg and cracked pepper to help to make Forte truly remarkable wine.
The Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon for 2005 Terra d’Oro Forte were fermented differently as determined by characteristics and tendencies of the respective varieties . Because Sangiovese tends to have large berries and thin skin we handled the grapes with great care . The Sangiovese was crushed into half ton macrobinsfor fermentation. The bins were carefully punched down by hand three times a day. When fermentation finished the Sangiovese was lifted high in the air and we used gravity to drain the free run wine from the bins. We were not concerned with the hallmark spine-tingling acidity of Sangiovese, knowing that the Cabernet would have a higher pH to achieve the perfect balance. The Cabernet, a thick skinned grape, was handled in such a manner as to maximize extraction. The tank was drained and returned three times during the two week fermentation. Both lots were pressed and aged in small oak barrels for fifteen months. The wines were blended together and allowed to knit for two months prior to bottling to allow better integration.
Montevina 2005 Terra d’Oro Forte is an exemplar of the beauty and balance blending can bring to a wine. Both the Sangiovese and Cabernet legs of the wine showed rich distinctive aromas and flavors distinctive to the respective varietals. However, the smooth tannin, silky mouthfeel, and lingering finish were achieved by careful blending. A sophisticated palate is dominated with cherries, apple, and rhubarb. The fruit is spiced with nutmeg, dried orange peel and vanilla.
