Sangiovese Grape: Characteristics, Varieties, and Food Pairings

Geographic Distribution and Cultivation

While Sangiovese is most commonly associated with Tuscany, it is the most widely planted grape variety throughout Italy, including Umbria, Emilia-Romagna, and Marche. It has also found success internationally, particularly in California, Argentina, and Australia, where winemakers are crafting their unique interpretations of the grape.

Regional Expressions

Sangiovese in Italy

• Historical Importance and Prominence: Sangiovese is one of the oldest and most historically significant grape varieties in Italy, forming the backbone of many regional wine traditions. Its prominence in Tuscany has made it an emblem of Italian winemaking.
• Key Wine-Producing Regions: Tuscany is the heart of Sangiovese, with its expressions ranging from Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino to Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Super Tuscans. Umbria is another significant region where Sangiovese is used in wines such as Montefalco Rosso. In Emilia-Romagna, it is often made into more approachable, easy-drinking wines.
• Stylistic Variations and Quality Levels: Sangiovese wines vary in style based on the region and specific sub-varietals used. Sangiovese Grosso, a clone used in Brunello di Montalcino, is known for producing powerful, slow-maturing red wines. Chianti Classico tends to have bright acidity and firm tannins with cherry and herbal notes. Sangiovese Piccolo, widely cultivated in central-southern Italy, is integral to the production of Chianti and Morellino. At the same time, Brunello di Montalcino is more intense and structured, often aged in oak for several years. Super Tuscans blend Sangiovese with international varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, creating bold, complex wines with aging potential.

Sangiovese in Other Regions

• Global Distribution and Cultivation: Sangiovese is cultivated in various regions worldwide, particularly in the United States, Argentina, and Australia, where winemakers are experimenting with the varietal to create new expressions. California has seen significant interest in Sangiovese, especially in regions like Napa and Sonoma.
• Notable Examples and Regional Interpretations: In California, Sangiovese is often blended with other red varietals to create fruit-forward wines with soft tannins, emphasizing a more approachable style. Argentine and Australian Sangiovese wines tend to be bold and rich, with riper fruit flavours and the potential to develop into slow-maturing red wines due to the warmer climate.
• Impact on Local Wine Cultures: Outside of Italy, Sangiovese is gaining popularity among consumers who seek wines with a balance of fruit, acidity, and structure. Its versatility has made it a valuable addition to wineries seeking to diversify their offerings with an Italian influence.

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Notable Wines and Producers

Iconic Sangiovese-Based Wines

• High-Quality Examples: High-quality examples of Sangiovese include Brunello di Montalcino from producers like Biondi-Santi and Casanova di Neri, Chianti Classico Riserva from Castello di Ama and Fontodi, and Super Tuscan wines like Sassicaia and Tignanello that blend Sangiovese with international grapes for greater complexity. Another notable example is Rosso di Montalcino, a lighter wine that typically opens earlier and has a relatively shorter lifespan.
• Tasting Notes: These wines often exhibit complex flavours of ripe cherry, plum, dried herbs, leather, and earthy undertones, with firm tannins and vibrant acidity that provide structure and aging potential. Brunello di Montalcino and Super Tuscans, in particular, showcase the depth and power that Sangiovese can achieve.

Renowned Producers

• Winery Profiles: Notable producers of Sangiovese include Antinori, a historic winery that pioneered the Super Tuscan movement with Tignanello; Fattoria dei Barbi, one of the first Brunello di Montalcino producers; and Felsina, known for its refined Chianti Classico wines.
• Philosophy and Winemaking Practices: Many top producers focus on organic or biodynamic viticulture, aiming to express the unique terroir of Tuscany. Extended aging in oak barrels, particularly for Brunello di Montalcino and high-quality Chianti Classico, is common to enhance structure and flavour complexity.
• Awards and Recognition: Sangiovese wines, especially Brunello di Montalcino and Super Tuscans, frequently earn accolades in international competitions, helping to elevate the grape’s reputation and reaffirm its place among the world’s best red wines. Notably, the Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona was awarded as one of the top 10 wines of 2012 by Wine Spectator.