The Free Run Cellars Sangiovese, grown in the Lake Michigan Shore AVA, was released in mid-July.

So let’s start with some Sangiovese basics.

It’s the most widely grown grape grown across Italy and the primary grape used in Chianti and Chianti Classico. It also serves as one of the primary grapes for a Super Tuscan wine and for Brunello di Montalcino.

Its high acidity makes it versatile with a wide variety of vegetable and spice-driven foods and almost anything grilled. You’ll usually find the wine to be medium- to dark-bodied and highly tannic.

Depending on the age, Sangiovese red wines in the glass show a strong ruby red to brick red color. While young wines can be quite bitter on the palate, they become more complex in the balance of structure and aromas the longer they mature. In general, it offers hints of cherry, plum, and smoky earthy notes.

Outside Italy, you can find an abundance of the Sangiovese grape in Greece, Malta, Switzerland, Corsica, western and southern Australia,Brazil, Chile, South Africa, Israel and in parts of the United States, according to winepigeon.com.

Vineyards in California, Washington and Texas Hill Country are successfully growing the grape, and there are vineyards across the East Coast (Raffaldini in North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley AVA and Fiore Winery in central Maryland are two of those) where the grape has found a home.

Others have decided to experiment with it, including Matt Moersch, CEO/owner of Moersch Hospitality Group (Round Barn Winery, Tabor Hill Winery and Free Run Cellars Winery) in Michigan.

The tasting room at Free Run Cellars in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

Free Run Cellars, in Berrien Springs (about a 2-hour drive from Chicago), released its first vintage of Sangiovese Reserve in July. It’s the first Sangiovese to come from the Lake Michigan Shore American Viticultural Area (AVA). Berrien Springs is located in the extreme southwestern portion of Michigan, 12 miles from the lake’s beaches.

The winery is in its 16th year of operation and offers a variety of selections, from Albarino,Lemberger and Traminette to Meritage and Syrah. The Sangiovese Reserve sells for $75/bottle. Bone dry, it’s medium-bodied red that is rich with flavors such as cherry, espresso, and hints of balsamic, according to the winery’s product materials.

So how did the decision to grow and make it come about? Here’s a Q&A with Matt Moersch, CEO/owner of Moersch Hospitality Group, which also includes Michigsn producers Round Barn Winery and Tabor Hill Winery.

Q, How did the idea of producing the Sangiovese come about?

A, During my last visit to Italy, I really enjoyed the Sangiovese wines offered. This sparked my curiosity as to whether this variety of grape would grow well in our Lake Michigan Shore AVA, so upon my return, I planted some trial rows. Based on this first very successful vintage release I am happy that I moved forward with the trial and plan to increase plantings in our vineyards moving forward.

Q, Where planted, and for how long?

A, In 2015, I added the trial rows to the vineyards at The Round Barn Estate.

There are plenty of picnic tables to choose from outside Free Run Cellars in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

Q, Is there anyone else in Michigan making Sangiovese? How unique is it up there?

A, We’re not sure if any other Michigan wineries are producing a Sangiovese with Michigan-grown grapes - we don’t think so but can’t say for sure. We do know that we are the first Lake Michigan Shore AVA winery to produce a Michigan-grown Sangiovese wine - meaning the grapes were grown in our vineyards in the Lake Michigan Shore AVA. While we’re not sure if there are others in Michigan, we expect others will soon follow.

Q, Is there anything unique to making Sangiovese as compared to some of the other dry reds you make?

A, Not really - our winemakers use traditional wine-making methods.

Q, Anything else new coming down the pike?

A, We’re always thinking about what’s next! Released today (Aug. 9) Round Barn Winery’s Espresso Cream - we anticipate this to be a fan-favorite (much like all of our cream wines). Recently released for Free Run Cellars was our delightful semi-dry Albarino. It has been received very well.

Winemakers from 12 of East Coast’s best wineries bring their ‘A’ game to daylong summit

Arizona producer raising its profile with ‘big, bold varietal wines’

Pa. winery owner preaches success, and the business has become a living example of that

Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.

Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022).

© 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.

Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.