We received a bottle of a Santa Cristina Cabernet Sauvignon to sample. The wine came from Ste Michelle Wine Estates. This group is a collection of wine estates from the Pacific Northwest (including Chateau Ste. Michelle), California and partnerships including Santa Cristina in Tuscany.

Santa Cristina Winery

Santa Cristina, in Cortona, Italy is located in Italy’s beautiful Tuscany region. The current winery was built in 2006. The idea behind the modern version of the winery was for the grapes to be “accompanied” through all of the winemaking processes, from the vineyards through to the packaging. This was an effort to produce quality wines. Santa Cristina focuses on combining modern winemaking technology with traditional winemaking techniques. In addition to research involving international wine grapes, the winery also researches indigenous grapes.

According to the Santa Cristina website, “The winery was named after Santa Cristina Red, a historic wine and symbol of the winery for over 70 years. The winery was named after Santa Cristina Red, a historic wine and symbol of the winery for over 70 years.” 

Be sure to check out the colorful recipes on the Santa Cristina website.

The Wine

The 2021 Santa Cristina Cabernet Sauvignon, Toscana IGT offers an intense aroma of black fruits while pouring the wine into the glass. The aroma continues throughout the tasting. The 14% alcohol wine was a very dark ruby color with a black hue. Blackberries, black raspberries, black cherries, violets and a hint of cocoa were evident on the taste while the soft mouthfeel was full bodied with medium tannins. The finish was fruity. On the first taste there was a bit of heat in the mouth. but this heat dispersed with subsequent tastings. This wine would pair with a variety of foods.

Cheers,

Kathy and Terry