Tuscany (Toscana) Region

Fast facts: over 59,000 vineyard acres, 70/30 red wine grapes vs. white. Key white grape varietals are: Trebbiano, Vermentino, Vernaccia, Malvasia, Grechetto and Sauvignon Blanc. Key red grape varietals are: Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Alicante (Grenache) and Ciliegiolo.

Cougar's Sangiovese is of two clones. VCR23 aka FPS10 on rootstock 3309 and also the Brunello VCR06 aka FPS07 on rootstock 3309.

Sangiovese - "sanh-jo-vey-zay"

Sangiovese is a red Italian wine grape variety whose name derives from the Latin sanguis Jovis, "the blood of Jove".
It is most famous as the main component of the Chianti blend in Tuscany, as well as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
and Morellino di Scansano, although it can also be used to make varietal wines such as Brunello di Montalcino,
Rosso di Montalcino or Sangiovese di Romagna, as well as modern "Super Tuscan" wines like Tignanello. Young
Sangiovese has fresh fruity flavours of strawberry and a little spiciness, but it readily takes on oaky, even tarry,
flavors when aged in barrels. Sangiovese appears to have originated in Tuscany,
where it was known by the 16th century.

Cougar's Montepulciano is clone FPS02 on rootstock 110R.

Montepulciano - "mawn-teh-pool-CHAH-naw"

Montepulciano is a type of wine grape as well as a type of red wine made from these same grapes in the Abruzzo
region of east-central Italy. The grape is however recommended for 20 of Italy's 95 provinces. Up to 10% Sangiovese is permitted to be added to the blend. It is typically a fruity, dry wine with soft tannins, and as such is often
consumed young. If aged by the winery for more than two years, the wine may be labelled "Riserva."

The Montepulciano grape is found in numerous regions around Southern Italy and most famously in the town of Abruzzo.
The grape is confused with Sangiovese when used for making Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. While increasingly enjoyed
as a non- blended varietal, Montepulciano is most classically crafted into two style of wines, Rosso Conero and
Rosso Piceno. Both are blends of Montepulciano and Sangiovese with Piceno typically having a mixture of 85%
Sangiovese and 15% Montepulciano whilte Conero is typically a blend of 15% Sangiovese and 85% Montepulciano.

Cougar's Malvasia Bianca is clone FPS03 on rootstock 110R.

Malvasia Bianca - "Mal-va-ZEE-ah Bee-AHN-Kah"

Malvasia Bianca runs the gamut from lightweight to full-flavored, dry to sweet, low to high alcohol. It is sometimes
made as a sparkling wine.

A member of an ancient, highly esteemed Greek family of grapes vinified in a myriad of styles throughout Italy.
Malvasia Bianca is one of the most widely planted, light-colored grape varieties in Italy and the world. On the
islands of Sardinia and Sicily, it makes rare, rich and wonderfully aromatic passito wines.

Whether sweet or dry, Malvasia Bianca offers delightful aromas and flavors of honey and ripe Bosc pears with hints
of allspice. Round, lushly fruity flavors and a plush texture lead to a finish that is determined by the degree of
residual sugar and the cellar treatment. The lightest versions offer a clean, crisp finish, while those aged in small
barrels may display light tannins and a hint of vanilla. Sweeter, more opulent versions linger on the palate.