Il Cuore

Il Cuore (eel-quarry) means "The Heart" in Italian. The name is a tribute to the Italian immigrants who first planted the North Coast of California to vine in the late nineteenth century. Our wines are produced from choice grapes grown in Mendocino County. The success of wine grapes here has long been attributed to complex soils, warm daytime temperatures and cool nights. A hallmark of the Il Cuore style is the gentle use of oak to allow the natural fruit qualities of our grapes to become the focal point of the wines. Our main goal is to produce wines of quality and character at a price suitable for daily consumption. Our hope is that Il Cuore wines will be consumed with good food as part of a healthy and passionate lifestyle.  www.IlCuoreWines.com

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Winemaking, Vineyards & Growing Season:
95% Chardonnay, 5% Viognier.  Il Cuore Chardonnay is produced from grapes grown exclusively in the cool coastal region of Mendocino County. Vineyards in this area invoke Chardonnays that are fresh with apple and pear flavors, complemented by floral nuances in the bouquet. This is our ninth vintage and has a five percent component of Viognier to enhance aromas and add complexity on the palate. The fresh, graceful style of Il Cuore Chardonnay results from cold fermentation in small stainless steel vessels and small components of barrel fermentation in mostly neutral small oak cooperage. The gentle use of oak in our winemaking offers versatility with a wide range of foods. Il Cuore Chardonnay is recommended with fish, shellfish, crab cakes, game birds, light pasta, vegetarian casserole and mildly spicy Asian cuisine.

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Winemaking, Vineyards & Growing Season:
48% Sangiovese, 36% Zinfandel, 11% Syrah, 5% Carignane.  This vintage is our sixth release of Rosso Classico, a unique blend of Sangiovese and Zinfandel. IL CUORE's Rosso Classico is a medium bodied yet expressive wine, produced with modest oak cooperage to emphasize supple tannins and rich fruit flavors on the palate. Rosso Classico creates a rich and exuberant expression of berries, plums and ripe cherries. Sangiovese, the principle variety of Chianti, contributes effusive ripe cherry flavors and good acidity to cut through spicy cuisine. Old Vine Carignane offers deep fruit flavors and structure while Zinfandel from this region provides jammy complexity and spicy character. Syrah from old plantings adds succulent plum nuances and great colors.