Sangiovese: grape, taste and well-known wine regions

By Roel Timmermans Published on

Sangiovese-druiven aan de wijnstok

Short answer

Sangiovese is een blauwe druif uit Midden-Italië en de belangrijkste rode druif van Toscane. Ze staat centraal in onder meer Chianti, Chianti Classico en Montalcino, waar de druif traditioneel Brunello wordt genoemd. Wijnen lopen uiteen van sappig en roodfruitig tot krachtig en lang houdbaar; herkomst, hoogte, oogstjaar en wijnbereiding maken daarbij veel verschil.

Key facts

Facts about Sangiovese
Topic Details
TypeBlauwe wijndruif.
BakermatMidden-Italië; sterk verbonden met Toscane.
Belangrijke wijngebiedenOnder meer Toscane, Chianti, Chianti Classico en Montalcino.
Andere namenIn Montalcino wordt Sangiovese traditioneel Brunello of Brunellino genoemd.
Aandeel in bekende herkomstenMinimaal 80% in Chianti Classico; Brunello di Montalcino wordt volledig van Sangiovese gemaakt.
Mogelijke wijnstijlenVan sappig en roodfruitig tot krachtig, kruidig en lang houdbaar. Herkomst, oogstjaar en wijnbereiding bepalen de uiteindelijke stijl.
Rijpe Sangiovese-druiven aan de wijnstok.
Rijpe Sangiovese-druiven aan de wijnstok.
Indicatieve kleur van Sangiovese in het glas; herkomst, oogstjaar en wijnbereiding kunnen de tint veranderen.
Indicatieve kleur van Sangiovese in het glas; herkomst, oogstjaar en wijnbereiding kunnen de tint veranderen.

What is Sangiovese?

Sangiovese is a dark-skinned grape from Central Italy and the most important red grape variety of Tuscany. It is central to wines such as Chianti, Chianti Classico, and those from Montalcino. In Chianti Classico, the wine must consist of at least 80% Sangiovese; Brunello di Montalcino is made entirely from this grape.[1][2]

Where does the grape grow?

The grape is primarily associated with the hills of Tuscany. Within that broad region, altitude, location, soil, and local regulations can create distinctly different wines. As a result, a Chianti is not automatically the same type of wine as a Brunello di Montalcino.[3][4]

What other names does Sangiovese have?

In Montalcino, Sangiovese is traditionally called Brunello or Brunellino. This is therefore not a separate grape, but a local name linked to its origin.[5]

What does Sangiovese taste like?

Red fruit, cherry, herbs, fresh acidity, and noticeable tannins are common characteristics. This is not a fixed recipe: a young, fruity wine can taste very different from a long-aged wine from a higher-altitude vineyard.

How do you choose a Sangiovese wine?

Look first at the origin and then at the aging. Chianti can be light and energetic, while wines from Montalcino generally have more concentration and aging potential. The producer, vintage, and use of oak remain at least as important as the name of the grape.

Sangiovese wines

Sources and review

  1. [1]Sangiovese en de samenstelling van Chianti Classico — Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico
  2. [2]Wijnen en productieregels van Montalcino — Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino
  3. [3]Sangiovese en de samenstelling van Chianti Classico — Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico
  4. [4]Wijnen en productieregels van Montalcino — Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino
  5. [5]Wijnen en productieregels van Montalcino — Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino

Image and additional sources

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Veelgestelde vragen

Is Sangiovese the same as Brunello?

Brunello is the traditional local name for Sangiovese in Montalcino. Brunello di Montalcino is therefore wine made from Sangiovese from that specific origin.

Is all Sangiovese Chianti?

No. Chianti is a designation of origin. Sangiovese also grows in other parts of Tuscany and beyond.

What does Sangiovese taste like?

Cherry, red fruit, herbs, fresh acidity, and tannins are common. The precise style depends on origin, vintage, and winemaking.

Does Sangiovese age well?

Some Sangiovese wines are meant to be drunk young, while others can age for a long time. Origin, concentration, acidity, tannins, and maturation determine the aging potential.