Sangiovese

Sangiovese Wines: Characteristics, Prices, and Best Red Wines

Sangiovese is the beating heart of Italian winemaking. With over 100,000 hectares under cultivation, it is the most widespread red grape variety in Italy, capable of producing legendary wines. From the hills of Tuscany to the plains of Romagna, Sangiovese expresses the identity of Central Italy with elegance, vibrant acidity, and an extraordinary aptitude for aging.

What type of wine is Sangiovese?

Sangiovese is an extremely variable variety. Depending on the terroir and clone used, it produces wines ranging from a crisp and fruity red to a great collector's item. Its main characteristics are:

• Sensory Profile: Notes ranging from morello cherry and dried plum to leather, tobacco, and undergrowth in the most advanced wines.
• Structure: A perfect balance between a firm tannic texture and a pronounced acidity, which guarantees longevity and freshness.
• Terroir: It prefers calcareous soils, which enhance the elegant and intense aromas of the grape variety.

The grape varieties: Brunello, Prugnolo, and Morellino

Sangiovese, just like Pinot Noir, has a strong tendency to mutate. It takes on different names and faces in different areas of Italy:

• Brunello di Montalcino: The only appellation that allows for the use of pure Sangiovese Grosso, a symbol of power and nobility.
• Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: Here called Prugnolo Gentile, it produces complex and structured wines.
• Morellino di Scansano: The "maritime" version of the Tuscan Maremma, softer and more immediate.
• Sangiovese di Romagna: Often vinified for immediate consumption, omnipresent and convivial, but with peaks of excellence in the Sangiovese Superiore.

History and Origins: from the "Blood of Jupiter" to the Etruscans

The vine, probably Native to Tuscany, it has ancient origins, as its name suggests Sanguis Jovis (Blood of Jupiter). Although mentioned as early as the 18th century, it became the cornerstone of modern winemaking thanks to the historic recipe for Baron Ricasoli's Chianti in the 19th century. Today, the ampelographic classification based on Molon's studies (1906) distinguishes between Sangiovese Grosso and Piccolo, but modern clonal selection guarantees superior quality wines, less susceptible to rot and richer in color.

Wine Pairings and Winemaker's Tips

Thanks to its natural acidity, Sangiovese is an extremely versatile wine at the table.

• Grandi Riserve (Brunello, Riserve di Chianti): Ideal with grilled red meats, Florentine steak, game, and mature cheeses.
• Young Versions (Romagna DOC, Rosso Piceno): Perfect with pasta dishes with meat sauce, lasagna, cured meats, and, in some cases, oily fish (such as Cacciucco), if served slightly chilled.

Buy Sangiovese Online: Prices and Offers

In our online wine shop, you'll find a curated selection of the best Sangiovese wines with an unbeatable quality-price ratio. From the refined Super Tuscans (premium blends of Cabernet and Merlot) to the Umbrian excellences of Torgiano and Montefalco, each bottle is selected by our experts. Take advantage of our discounted prices and have your favorite wine delivered to your home in 24-48 hours.