2004 San Patrignano Sangiovese di Romagna Riserva Avi

• By Antonio Galloni
  The Best of Central and Southern Italy (Feb 2008), (See more on Vinous...)

  (San Patrignano Sangiovese Di Romagna Superiore Riserva Avi) Login and sign up and see review text.

Sommelier Journal

• By Roger Morris
  December 15, 2010, (See more on Sommelier Journal...)

  (San Patrignano Avi Sangiovese di Romagna Superiore Reserva DOC) Although it has dark-cask, Old World aromas, the wine maintains a juicy sweetness of fruit. Moderately tannic, complex, and intriguing. Emilia Romagna Rising

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  6/6/2007, (See more on Garagiste...)

  (AVI San Patrignano) Avi - IMPORTANT Dear Friends, Last night’s charity gala at the Guggenheim museum to benefit San Patrignano and their accomplishments was a resounding success. As much a showcase of the new Guggenheim as the charitable cause, the who’s-who of New York came out to support this more than worthy cause and (not insignificantly) one of the very best wine producers in Italy. In honor of the event, we present San Patrignano’s acclaimed 2004 Avi Riserva - the finest Avi to date. With only 300 cases produced and eye-popping reviews to match this is going to be hotly contested on the world market and very little will make its way to the US. If you are not familiar with San Patrignano, the estate is completely under the working hands of recovering addicts and those with difficult backgrounds that seek out a better way of life. The program is voluntary and the participants all want to change their lives but lack the direction or ability to do so. They become “winemakers” and they come from all over the world (including the streets of Brooklyn and The Bronx as well as Rome) and they are given the chance to succeed - maybe for the first time in their lives. Riccardo Cotarella donates his time here for free (a considerable amount of time) - he does not make the wine but guides the young people of the estate to make wine they see fit and to express the terroir of their site. The participants/winemakers eventually graduate from the program and the style of the wine reflects the various young winemakers as much as the vintage - in 2004 they hit the bulls-eye with one of Italy’s strongest portfolios top-to-bottom (this is no secret - the wines have already been critically praised and anointed with some of the country’s highest honors - I fully expect the US publications to follow suit): “Established in 1978 by its visionary founder, Vincenzo Muccioli, San Patrignano has opened its doors to more than 20,000 people suffering from drug addiction. Fully 72% have since been reintegrated into society and today enjoy a drug-free existence, following an innovative educational program in which participants learn specialized skills from 54 crafts and professions taught at San Patrignano; these range from the production of world-class wines, gourmet foods and antique-quality textiles to the breeding of show dogs and Olympic-standard show horses. Winemaking numbers among the community's best-known and most successful endeavors: San Patrignano wines, which are created from vineyard to cellar to label design by members of the community, have earned numerous accolades from world-renowned critics, including Gambero Rosso , Italy 's foremost wine guide, and the American wine writer, Robert Parker. In recent years San Patrignano has attracted the pro bono participation of the internationally renowned consulting winemaker Riccardo Cotarella, whose involvement has brought about heightened levels of consistency at a winery already considered by many to belong in the first rank. Services at San Patrignano are offered at no cost to guests and their families. 50% of funding stems from residents' professional activities, with remaining funds provided through the generous support of private individuals and corporations. At San Patrignano, the central philosophy is that a strong work ethic, coupled with a sense of personal pride and achievement arising from the acquisition of a skilled craft, can undermine the urge that leads to drug addiction.” For more information, please see: http://www.sanpatrignano.org/ VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all the right reasons (not to mention that the wine is fantastic) ONE SHIPMENT ONLY at this price - what should be one of the lowest in the world 2004 San Patrignano “Avi” Sangiovese di Romagna Riserva Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Italy9884