Sangiovese: The Italian Prince

Sangiovese is Italy’s most planted grape.

• Best in Tuscany
  • sour red cherries, earthy aromas, tea leaf notes
  • medium-plus tannins, high acidity
• Bulk, cheap wines elsewhere in Italy
• Plantings in California, Australia, Argentina

Sangiovese derives its name from the Latin sanguis Jovis, “the blood of Jove”.

Sangiovese is known for its many genetic mutations, leading to a wide variety of wine types throughout Italy.

Two basic styles of Sangiovese:

• Fruit forward – red fruit like strawberries and cherries, tomato, spices like cinnamon and clove, less tannic, bright acidity.
• Rustic – dark chocolate and smoke with herbal notes like oregano and thyme, dried flowers, tomato, gripping tannins, highly acidic

Sangiovese Percentages

• Brunello di Montalcino – 100%
• Rosso di Montalcino – 85%
• Vino Nobile di Montepulciano – 70%
• Morellino di Scansano – 85%
• Chianti – 80% (most are 100%)
• Chianti Classico – 80% (most are 100%)