2016 Salvestrin Dr. Crane Vineyard Sangiovese

Salvestrin has been in the Salvestrin family since 1932, when Italian immigrants John and Emma Salvestrin purchased part of the historic Crane Ranch and began growing grapes for local wineries. With the 1994 vintage the estate released its first commercial wine, a Cabernet Sauvignon. Th estate is certified as Napa Green, meaning it has met strict criteria for sustainable farming. Today his grandson Rich runs the estate with help from his wife and daughters. Salvestrin produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, Bordeaux blends and Sauvignon Blanc.

Dr. Crane Vineyard was originally planted in 1858 by Napa Valley pioneer Dr. George Belden Crane. It was acquired by Beckstoffer Vineyards in 1997. Located in the city of St. Helena, the 25-acre vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Beckstoffer Vineyards owns and farms more than 3,600 acres of highly prestigious grape growing vineyards in Napa Valley, Mendocino County and the Red Hills of Lake County. A senior executive with Heublein in the 1960s, Andy Beckstoffer is credited with steering Napa Valley vintners towards improving farming and the quality of the grapes used for wine. Grapes from any Beckstoffer vineyards are considered among the finest available in California.

This red grape is largely grown in central Italy. As the sole component or in a blend, it gives us Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino and Super Tuscans, among other favorites wines. The name is derived from the Latin for “blood of Jove.”