Sangiovese Wine

Sangiovese, Italy's emblematic grape variety, lies at the heart of some of the world's most renowned red wines. Originating from the beautiful region of Tuscany, Sangiovese gives rise to powerful and complex red wines, as well as highly appreciated fruity rosés.

Origin

Its name derives from "sangue di Giove," meaning "blood of Jupiter," revealing its long history in Italy. Although its exact origin is subject to debate, it is believed to have ancient roots in Tuscany, where it has been cultivated for centuries. Over time, this variety has adapted to the region's varied climate and soils, finding ideal conditions to thrive in Tuscany's sunny hills.

Preferred Regions

In Italy, it thrives mainly in Tuscany, where it is the cornerstone of famous wines such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and the Super Tuscans. Each sub-region brings its unique characteristics, producing wines that reflect their specific terroir. Chianti, for example, is renowned for its balance between juicy red fruits and supple tannins, while Brunello di Montalcino stands out for its power and aging potential.

Abroad, it is also successfully cultivated in the United States, particularly in California, where the Mediterranean climate offers similarities to that of Tuscany. In Australia, it is often used in blends to add finesse and elegance to wines that also express the unique character of their terroir.

Great Italian Wines Based on Sangiovese

Chianti Classico Riserva: Hailing from the Chianti region in Tuscany, this Italian red wine is often made primarily from this grape variety. It stands out for its robust structure and ripe red fruit aromas, perfectly balanced by well-integrated tannins. Chianti Classico Riserva is a symbol of tradition and quality in the world of Italian wine, offering a profound and memorable tasting experience.

Brunello di Montalcino: Produced exclusively from this variety in the Montalcino region of Tuscany, this tannic wine is renowned for its power and aging potential. It offers deep notes of black cherry, leather, and spices, with a velvety texture that makes it an ideal choice for lovers of complex and elegant red wines. Brunello di Montalcino embodies the very essence of this grape variety in its most noble and concentrated form.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: Although it also contains the Prugnolo Gentile grape (a clone of Sangiovese), this wine is dominated by the latter and stands out for its elegant structure and subtle aromas of red fruits and spices. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano offers a beautiful expression of the Montepulciano terroir, with lively acidity and tannins that age harmoniously.

Super Tuscans: These revolutionary wines combine the flagship grape with international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Syrah. Initially created in response to regulatory restrictions, Super Tuscans paved the way for a new era of winemaking in Tuscany, offering creative freedom and wines of great richness and complexity. Each Super Tuscan is unique, but all share exceptional quality and the ability to captivate wine lovers worldwide.

Sangiovese represents the very essence of Italian red wines, offering a diversity of styles ranging from traditional wines like Chianti to modern expressions of Super Tuscans. Its ability to reflect the terroir and produce wines that are both powerful and elegant makes it an essential grape variety for any wine enthusiast. Whether in the sunny hills of Tuscany or the distant vineyards of other continents, it continues to captivate and inspire with its exceptional wines and rich viticultural tradition.

For more information, check out our list of grape varieties!