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%)