Monte Rio Sangiovese, Lodi 2021 (750 ml)

Winemaker: Patrick Cappiello
Appellation: Lodi
Varietals: 20 Year Old Sangiovese
Vineyards: Rivers Edge
Winemaking: We hand harvested the fruit and went directly to press. The wine was fermented in a combination of concrete tank and egg.
Farming: Biodynamic
Aging: Bottled after 10 months in old wood barrels
ABV: 12.5 %

100% Sangiovese from the biodynamically farmed River’s Edge Vineyard in Lodi AVA. Vine age is approximately 20 years.100% whole cluster, carbonic maceration in stainless steel before being pressed into both stainless steel and concrete to complete fermentation. All native yeasts. Matured for 10 months in neutral oak. 12.5% alc

Mr. Cappiello got his start in restaurants, his wine career began in 2002 as a Sommelier at Tribeca Grill. As time progressed his roles changed to Wine Director and restaurant owner over the next 15 years. Through connections with countless winemakers and after meeting his current business partner Pax Mahle, the transition to Winemaker was a natural progression for Cappiello. He still serves as Wine Director of Walnut Street Café in Philadelphia. He is Food & Wine host for Playboy and founding member of Winemakers & Sommeliers for California Wildfire Relief.

His 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, and Sommelier career has given him access to four of the worlds greatest wine cellars. All have been recipients of Wine Spectators "Grand Award"; TriBeCa Grill, Veritas, GILT, and Pearl & Ash. Mr. Cappiello was named "Sommelier of the Year 2014" by Food & Wine Magazine, "Wine Person of the Year 2014" by Imbibe Magazine, and "Sommelier of the Year 2015" by Eater National.

His winemaking career started in 2018, under the watchful eye of Pax Mahle. Monte Rio focuses on heritage and classic California varieties. Wines are made naturally with no additives and farmed with organic practices.

Mr. Cappiello and Mr. Mahle collaborate on two wineries; Skull Wines and the Piquette Project.

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