Founded in 1935, the Santa Margherita winery was established in the Veneto region, specializing in sparkling and white wines. As the originator of the winemaking style of which is now attributed to modern-day Pinot Grigio, their pioneering winemakers were drawn to pursue excellence by refining and improving their viticultural and winemaking methods from the very beginning.
While their Pinot Grigio may have put Santa Margherita on the international wine map, at the core they have always been a multi-faceted winery, inspired by the varied and rich winemaking areas and traditions throughout Italy. While we may have originated in the Veneto, our sights were never limited to simply one region, or one varietal.
Santa Margherita began working in the vineyards of Tuscany in the early 2000’s. Driven by their success in Alto Adige and the Veneto, it was a natural progression to expand into one of Italy’s most storied and respected wine regions. Their first Chianti Classico Riserva was the 2007 vintage, released in the US market in 2011.
For more information, visit www.santamargheritawines.com
Part of the winery’s founding philosophy was environmental stewardship and pursuit of the best agricultural and oenological practices; to include organic and sustainable methods. At the core, the health and harmony of their vineyards directly translate into the quality in the bottle. This includes using natural formulations instead of chemical-based herbicides or fertilizers; they employ a mixture of propolis, aloe and algae on the vines to help support disease resistance, greatly reducing the need to use copper or Sulphur. In addition, Santa Margherita is in the process of becoming designated organic, aiming for certification by 2018.
While Tuscany has been producing wines since the Estruscans, the region established legal geographical boundaries and production standards in 1716, by Cosimo de Medici, and this is where the infamous Black Rooster that adorns each bottle originated. As we celebrate the region’s 300th anniversary, Santa Margherita’s Chianti Classico Riserva is a perfect glass to pair with your favorite Tuscan recipe; a true taste of history and the contributions of Italy and this valuable wine region to the world’s greatest wines.
85% Sangiovese, the wine also has 15% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and is aged 2 years in new French Oak barrels. The Santa Margherita Chianti Classico Riserva is an ideal pairing for an antipasto platter or with craft salumi. In addition, the bright cherry and notes of dried herbs in this wine complement richer pasta dishes such as short rib pappardele or truffle risotto, and this wine will add a rich and generous taste to your seasonal celebrations to complement a holiday prime rib or roasted poultry.
Published: October 17, 2016
