Sangiovese is a famous variety used to make the classic great Tuscan wines: Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
This high-yielding black grape can be difficult to grow because its quality varies depending on seasons and years. The winemakers have to prune wildly the vines to obtain high quality fruits. This variety blossom on south-facing slopes with drained calcareous soils. Sangiovese has a long growing period thanks to its late ripening so it can produce strong red wines with a good ageing potential.
Sangiovese Caracteristics
Sangiovese is used to make full-bodied red wines that develop on the palate a fresh acidity combined with aromas of black cherry, plum and dried herbs. The remarkable wines balance well their stunning acidity and their powerful tannins. The increasingly popular oak barrels used for the maturation process can give rich flavors of plum and raspberry.
Where to find the best Sangiovese wines
Sangiovese is the prince of Tuscany. The exceptional red wines of DOCG Brunello di Montalcino have to use only this variety. Sangiovese is the dominant grape in DOCG Chianti and DOCG Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wines. The famed Super-Tuscans commonly blend this Tuscan variety with the international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot or Syrah.
Sangiovese is planted in other wine regions in Central Italia like Lazio, Umbria or Marche. In Corsica, it is known as Nielluccio. Thanks to its success in Italia, Sangiovese is spreading in other countries like Argentina, Australia or the United States.
Isole & Olena Chianti Classico, Antinori Badia a Passignano Chianti Classico Riserva, Lisini Brunello di Montalcino, Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino, Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Vigna Asinone, Sassicaia wines in DOC Bolgheri and Castello di Fonterutoli Siepi are great examples of excellent Tuscan wines using Sangiovese.
