South By South West Sangiovese 2023

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Vibrant, translucent crimson red.
• Aromatics: Fresh red cherry and spicy plum with red berries, basil, clove and a lightly savoury edge.
• Palate: Juicy and fruit-driven, with cherry and plum flavours carried by tangy natural acidity.
• Texture: Light-bodied and energetic, with soft yet present Sangiovese tannins providing gentle grip.
• Oak: A small amount of new French oak brings subtle sweetness, clove and structure without covering the fruit.
• Finish: Bright, tangy and refreshing, with lingering cherry, spice and fine tannin.

Single-Vineyard Geographe Sangiovese

The fruit came from a single vineyard near Harvey in the Geographe wine region.

This earlier-ripening site was selected for the lighter style the winemakers wanted to create. The grapes were selectively harvested on 28 February to capture vibrant fruit flavours while retaining natural acidity.

The 2023 season provided an extended and gentle ripening period. Dry conditions, warm sunny days and cool mornings and evenings helped the Sangiovese develop ripe cherry and plum flavours without losing its freshness.

Viticulture and Winemaking

The selectively harvested fruit was sorted before being transferred to a static red fermenter without crushing.

Keeping the berries intact allowed partial carbonic maceration to occur inside the whole berries. This technique encourages bright, fragrant fruit and helps produce a softer, more immediately approachable wine.

The ferment received gentle cap management before being pressed away from its skins after eight days. The relatively short skin contact limited heavy extraction while retaining enough colour and tannin to give the wine shape.

It was then matured for 10 months, primarily in stainless steel to preserve its freshness and fruit purity. A portion of new French oak was used to add gentle sweetness, spice and structure.

Minimal sulphites were added for stability and the wine was coarsely filtered before bottling.

Wine Details

• Producer: South by South West
• Vintage: 2023
• Variety: Sangiovese
• Region: Geographe, Western Australia
• Vineyard location: Harvey
• Vineyard: Single-vineyard fruit
• Harvest date: 28 February 2023
• Fermentation: Whole berries with partial carbonic maceration
• Whole bunches: None
• Time on skins: Eight days
• Maturation: 10 months, primarily in stainless steel
• Oak: A small portion of new French oak
• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Closure: Screwcap
• Cellaring: Drink now to approximately 2029
• Serving temperature: Approximately 14°C

What Is Sangiovese?

Sangiovese is an Italian red grape most closely associated with Tuscany, where it is the principal variety used in Chianti.

The name is often translated as “the blood of Jupiter”, although the wines themselves are generally more elegant and savoury than the dramatic name suggests.

Sangiovese typically produces flavours of cherry, plum, dried herbs and spice. Its natural acidity and gently grippy tannins make it particularly good with food, especially dishes containing tomato, herbs, olive oil or cured meats.

This South by South West version places greater emphasis on juicy fruit and immediate drinkability than many traditional Italian examples.

What Does Partial Carbonic Maceration Do?

Carbonic maceration allows fermentation to begin inside intact grapes before the berries are fully crushed.

This process can produce especially fragrant and juicy fruit flavours while softening the impression of tannin. It is often used when the winemaker wants to create a lighter, brighter red that can be enjoyed young.

For this wine, intact Sangiovese berries underwent partial carbonic maceration in tank. The technique enhances its spicy cherry fruit while retaining enough acidity and tannin for the wine to remain unmistakably Sangiovese.

Storage and Serving Tips

Serve South by South West Sangiovese at approximately 14°C.

During warmer weather, place the bottle in the refrigerator for around 45 minutes before serving. If it becomes too cold, allow it to warm in the glass for several minutes so the cherry, plum and spice can open.

The wine does not require extended decanting. Opening it around 15 minutes before serving is sufficient, although pouring it into large glasses will help reveal its aromatics.

It is especially attractive while young and fruit-driven but can be cellared until approximately 2029 under suitable conditions.

Food Pairing Suggestions

• Wood-fired pizza: Natural acidity works beautifully with tomato, cheese and cured meats.
• Pasta with tomato-based sauces: Try it with beef ragu, puttanesca or pasta all’Amatriciana.
• Antipasti: A natural partner for salami, prosciutto, olives, grilled vegetables and hard cheese.
• Pork and fennel sausages: The wine’s cherry fruit and herbs complement the savoury spice.
• Barbecued chicken: Particularly good with rosemary, oregano, paprika or garlic.
• Mushroom dishes: Savoury tannins work well with mushroom pizza, pasta or risotto.
• Eggplant parmigiana: Bright acidity cuts through the cheese while complementing the tomato sauce.

Reviews and Awards

90 Points and Silver Medal Halliday Wine Companion

Jane Faulkner highlighted the refreshing character created by partial carbonic maceration, describing a wine filled with red cherry, fresh basil and lively acidity.

She also noted the softness of its lighter-framed palate, fine tannins and suitability for serving slightly chilled, regarding it as a particularly enjoyable and easy-drinking expression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this wine from Margaret River or Geographe?

South by South West is based in Margaret River, but the Sangiovese fruit for this vintage came from a single vineyard near Harvey in the Geographe wine region.

Is Sangiovese a heavy red wine?

Not usually. Sangiovese is generally medium-bodied with bright acidity and noticeable savoury tannins.

This particular example is even lighter and juicier due to its partial carbonic maceration and relatively short time on skins.

Is Sangiovese the same grape used in Chianti?

Yes. Sangiovese is the principal grape variety used in Chianti.

South by South West has drawn on experience gained in Tuscany, but this wine is a contemporary Western Australian interpretation rather than an attempt to reproduce Chianti.

Can this Sangiovese be served chilled?

Yes. It is particularly enjoyable at approximately 12 to 14°C.

Avoid serving it icy cold, as very low temperatures can hide its cherry fruit and make the tannins feel firmer. If it has been in the refrigerator for a long time, let it warm in the glass before drinking.

What does “Juicy Banger” mean?

It is the winery’s informal description for a wine that is energetic, fruit-filled and extremely easy to drink.

It reflects the wine’s bright cherry flavours, moderate alcohol and playful personality rather than suggesting that it is sweet.

Is the wine sweet?

No. This is a dry red wine. Its ripe cherry and plum flavours create a juicy impression, but tangy acidity and savoury tannins keep the finish fresh and dry.

Does it need to be decanted?

No extended decanting is required. Opening the bottle approximately 15 minutes before serving or using a generous wine glass will be enough to help its aromas emerge.

How long can I cellar it?

The winery recommends drinking it between 2024 and 2029. It is designed to be particularly attractive while its red fruit remains vibrant and youthful.

 
 
 
 
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