Showket Vineyards Asante Sana 2003

Asante sana, or “thank you very much” in Swahili, is a blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Kal and Dorothy Showket came up with this name for their Tuscan-inspired blend after traveling in Africa, using it to express their gratitude to winemaker Heidi Barrett and the production team. The wine shares the same blend as the world’s second Super Tuscan wine, Tignanello – Sassicaia came first and is all about Bordeaux varietals, while Piero Antinori’s Tignanello focuses on his family’s local Sangiovese. The Cal-Ital category has enjoyed tremendous growth, first fueled read more...by the pre-Atkins growth of casual Italian eateries, and now by thirsty consumers looking for something new. California Sangioveses are basking under the sun, while the relatively new Super Tuscan inspired blends are poised to take center stage. Only 530 cases of this complex, earthy wine were produced. With its tar, smoke, strawberry, cherry, black currant, and leafy notes, it is a slam dunk at the table with earthy lamb or eggplant-based dishes. Chewy fruit tannins are a nice counterpoint to Heidi’s signature ripe, soft, supple oak tannins.    (hide)