CARPE TRAVEL WINE 101:
GET TO KNOW THE GRAPES
Sangiovese (san – ja-vay-zay) is a medium-bodied red wine with adaptability to nearly any environment. Characteristics and Taste: sangiovese taste includes elevated acidity and assertive tannins, along with flavors such as cherries, herbs, and savory notes. Predominantly found in Italy, it is known for its savory flavors. Oak aging contributes to the wine’s body, barrel spice, and notes of vanilla, enhancing the overall complexity.
Sangiovese is a staple within Italian wines, known for its historical significance and regional diversity.
Sangiovese is the primary grape used in Chianti, Chianti Classico, and Brunello di Montalcino wines. It is known for its high acidity, firm tannins, and flavors of red cherries, strawberries, and hints of herbs. This versatile grape can produce wines that range from light and easy-drinking to complex and age-worthy.
Origin and History
Sangiovese has a long and storied history that dates back to the 16th century. The name “Sangiovese” is derived from the Latin phrase “sanguis Jovis,” meaning “blood of Jupiter.” This ancient grape variety has been cultivated in central Italy for centuries, with Tuscany being its spiritual home. Over time, Sangiovese has evolved into various clones, including the renowned Sangiovese Grosso, which is primarily grown in Tuscany.
what to know about the sangiovese grape
FUN FACT
The Sangiovese grape is also known as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Prugnolo Gentile, Sangiovese Grosso, Brunello di Montalcino, Nielluccio, Rosso di Montepulciano, Morellino, Rosso di Montalcino, Montefalco Rosso, Chianti, and Morellino di Scansano.
Sangiovese wines offer a range of tastes from earthy and rustic to round, fruit-forward styles.
Regardless of where it’s grown, it consistently exhibits cherry flavors with subtle notes of tomato. The grape is found all over Italy with a myriad of tasting styles.
From the delicate floral strawberry aromas of Montefalco Rosso from Umbria to the concentrated tannic wines of Tuscany’s famed Brunello di Montalcino, Sangiovese is a true crowd pleaser.
Dominant flavors include red currant, bing cherry, strawberry, sun dried tomatoes, toasted tomatoes, raspberry, plum, mocha, clove, cinnamon, leather, and clay soil.
The distinct styles of Sangiovese wine
Sangiovese wine offers a gorgeous balance of fruit and earth components. Many winemakers debate the better style, but each style offers its own distinct characteristics.
How to Enjoy Sangiovese Wine
Sangiovese Wine Pairing
The best Sangiovese pairing ideas includes roasted and gamey meats, cured sausage, grilled pork, BBQ, herbal stuffed chicken, chicken Parmesan, and hard cheeses.
Practical Tips for Drinking Sangiovese Wine
Glassware: Standard red or tulip-shaped wine glass.
Shelf life: About 5 years, but top expressions from places like Brunello di Montalcino age for decades.
Bottle prices: Average cost is about $20, but top Chianti styles and Brunello di Montalcino can be very expensive.
When is the Right Mood for Sangiovese Wine?
SANGIOVESE WINE RECOMMENDATIONS
Looking for recommendations on Sangiovese wines?
Valerie Quintanilla is an American expat in Alba, Italy. Val was an original Carpe Travel contributor before packing up her American life to chase her Italian dreams.
Today she runs a custom travel / wine tour planning business while moonlighting as a marketing consultant for wine and travel business in Europe. She has been featured in Wine Enthusiast, Food & Wine Magazine, Open Skies (Emirate Airlines inflight magazine), and more.