Sauvignon 'Animale Celeste' Santa Barbara 2024

The Sauvignon "Animale Celeste" is the interpretation of this important international grape variety from the Santa Barbara winery, located in the eponymous municipality in the province of Ancona. Stefano Antonucci is the owner of the estate and since 1994 has set two goals: to enhance the main indigenous grape varieties of the territory (such as Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Montepulciano, and Lacrima di Morro d'Alba) and to produce internationally-oriented labels using the most well-known grape varieties in the world, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and in our case, Sauvignon.

The deep attention to vineyard work and respect for the land allows for the production of a taut and flowing Sauvignon Blanc "Animale Celeste". The vines, which root in a soil tending towards limestone and at an altitude of 350 meters above sea level, are selected through meticulous care to avoid unpleasant issues during the winemaking process. Here, the Sauvignon from Santa Barbara is vinified in steel tanks at controlled temperature to which follows, similarly, a maturation period of 5 months.

“Animale Celeste” from the Santa Barbara winery can be considered a typical expression of Sauvignon Blanc, reminiscent of the exuberant aromas of the New World. In addition to the classic varietal notes, such as tomato leaf, the extraordinary bouquet is further enriched by the vitality and elegance of exotic fruits, like pineapple and papaya. The aromatic note attributable to sage and thyme completes this wonderful aromatic picture with the final brushstroke. The influence of the Adriatic Sea brings a pleasant mineral-salty note that supports a typical freshness of Sauvignon and a softness that allows for a magnetic drinkability. This interpretation of Sauvignon “Animale Celeste” finds an ideal and tasty pairing with a seafood paella and is also interesting when paired with a specialty of Ancona cuisine, the 'ngreccia fava beans, which with their savory hint can stand up to the enveloping richness of the Sauvignon from SantaBarbara.