Italian Varietals
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St. Helena's trend-setting restaurant Tra Vigne has played godfather to Long Vineyards two Italian varietals - Pinot Grigio and Sangiovese. When Long Vineyards produced Napa Valley's first Pinot Grigio in 1992, Tra Vigne bought the entire production of 35 cases and launched the Cal-Italia movement. In 1996 to debut our first vintage of Sangiovese, Tra Vigne owner Kevin Cronin encouraged its development by placing both experimental versions (filtered and unfiltered) on his list. Tra Vigne sold the wine twice as fast because everyone wanted to taste both versions and participate in the informal market research!
California Pinot Grigio has grown in popularity because it is a wine that has the full richness of many Chardonnays, but with distinctive, different flavors and aromas - peachs, pears, apples with citrusy, almondine overtones - which allow it great versatility with food. The Italian dishes of Tra Vigne combine a stunning array of ingredients, such as balsamic, coriander, tarragon, sun-dried tomatoes, not always friendly with Chardonnay, but perfect with Pinot Grigio and Sangiovese.
Sangiovese, too, has grown in popularity. The Wine Spectator has described Long Vineyards' as "rich, fruity and supple." It is a simply delicious wine that pairs well with tomato-based dishes, pastas, smoked chicken and other grilled foods and virtually everything spicy and rich.
Long Vineyards now produces 1000-1100 cases of Pinot Grigio and 300-400 cases of Sangiovese each year.
You'd never know that Bob Long is Italian by his name, but his maternal grandfather, Martin Martino, came from Italy's Piedmont so these wines hold special meaning for him. Our wine-growing consultant, Phil Freese was instrumental in securing grapes from special vineyards for both Pinot Grigio and Sangiovese (Click for information about the designated vineyards).