Review of Wedding Oak Winery Sangiovese 2013

We are nearly four months into 2015, which means some exciting things. First, a fresh new vintage for growing grapes as bud-break has begun in many parts of Texas, and also freshly bottled wines from previous harvests. I still feel a bit giddy every time I have a newly released bottle of wine in my hands. At the moment for me, those bottles hot off the press happen to be from Wedding Oak Winery.

Wedding Oak just released three new reds from the 2013 vintage: Terra Rouge, which is a GSM-Cinsault blend, a Texas Sangiovese, and a Texas (Hill Country) Sangiovese. Wedding Oak Winery grows and purchases grapes that do astonishingly well in Texas, such as Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and more. The quality and balance of the wines they make confirm using the right grapes can make for stellar wines. Of the three wines, I chose to review the Texas Sangiovese.

I cradled the bottle in my hands, her curves taunting me so. I hesitated to remove the cork, as I wanted to enjoy just admiring the bottle of Texas red wine. Alas, the wine needed to be consumed and judged, so I carefully pulled the stopper from its oh so temporary home. A quick sniff of the bottle opening to check for possible flaws, revealed a clean and gorgeous nose. Once in the glass, notes of ripe cherries, earl grey tea, vanilla, and cedar box all leapt into the air. The palate confirms the nose exactly for me.

Specifications:

• Wedding Oak Winery Texas Sangiovese, 2013 vintage
• Appellation: Texas High Plains AVA, Lost Draw Vineyards. Paulo (New Mexico Vineyards) Demming, NM.
• Grape varieties: Sangiovese
• Barrels: 12 months in French Oak
• Clarity/Brightness: Clear/bright with no detectable flaws and no evidence of gas or sediment
• Tannins: Medium
• Acidity: Medium Plus
• Alcohol: Medium Plus
• Finish: Medium Plus
• Alcohol by volume: 13.8%
• pH: 3.71
• Cases produced: 168

All said and done, this is a tasty and well-made wine. I do feel that it needs a little cellar time before it will really start to open up and become complex, but if you are seeking an easy drinking, medium bodied Sangiovese, this could be the ticket. Decanting prior to serving is recommended at this stage in my opinion. Pizza or a light red sauce pasta would be appropriate pairings for this wine.

Sip, savor, and enjoy my fellow aficionados.