Sangiovese
While grown throughout central Italy, Tuscany is the spiritual home of this red grape, which produces spectacular, bright and ageworthy wines.
In the vineyard, Sangiovese is purplish-black in hue, though it yields a fiercely cherry-red wine when pressed. It can grow successfully in areas with very little accessible water, however it does not thrive in climates prone to temperature extremes.
Sangiovese is able to adapt to a variety of soil types, yet it performs at its best in limestone-laden regions.
It is a thin-skinned, high-acid grape that is known for its tart cherry and tomato flavors, with earthy undertones that are expressive of a particular terroir.
Sangiovese in Italy
Sangiovese is one of the most planted varieties in Italy, where it’s grown in regions like Emilia-Romagna, Marche and Umbria. However, no region is more synonymous with the variety than Tuscany. It is the dominant grape in the wines of Chianti and Chianti Classico, where it makes up at least 70% of the former and at least 80% of the latter.
Further south, it is the main grape in the savory wines of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and the ageworthy, structured reds of Brunello di Montalcino, where it’s locally known as Prugnolo Gentile. The versatile grape is also used in the light-bodied reds of Morellino di Scansano closer to the coast, and is blended with international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in many Toscana IGT wines.
Global Production
Sangiovese has a long history in Corsica, which has grown the variety since at least the 14th century. On this island it is known as Nielluccio and is grown throughout the Patrimonio region.
In the United States, California has the most plantings of the variety. The regions of Napa, Sonoma, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and the Sierra Foothills have the most significant plantings. The Pacific Northwest’s Walla Walla and Columbia Valleys, which ride the border between Washington and Oregon, also offer examples of the variety.
There are small plantings of Sangiovese in Argentina, Australia and Chile, which can be bottled as a varietal wine or incorporated into blends.
Synonyms: Brunelletto, Brunello, Brunello di Montalcino, Cacchiano, Calabrese, Chiantino, Corinto Nero, Guarnacciola, Liliano, Morellino, Morellino di Scansano, Negrello, Nerello, Nerello Campotu, Niella, Nielluccio, Primaticcio, Prugnolo Dolce, Prugnolo Gentile, Puttanella, San Gioveto, San Zoveto, Sangiogheto, Sangiovese Grosso, Sangiovese Piccolo, Sangioveto, Tabernello, Toustain, Tuccanese, Vigna del Conte, Vigna Maggio
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Il Poggione 2020 Red (Toscana)
TuscanyNew leather, cocoa, strawberries and cherries are on the nose of this ...Best BuySee Full Review$20 -
Cecchi 2020 Sangiovese (Toscana)
TuscanyBright, fresh bing cherries are nestled against an umami- rich background of ...Best BuySee Full Review$12 -
Stolpman 2020 Sangiovese (Ballard Canyon)
Central CoastThis young Sangiovese is delicious and ready to drink right now. Aromas ...See Full Review$36 -
Stolpman 2021 La Cuadrilla Red (Ballard Canyon)
Central CoastThough this blend of 75% Syrah, 15% Grenache and 10% Sangiovese is ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$22 -
Stolpman 2019 Sangiovese (Ballard Canyon)
Central CoastLovely aromas of cherry, strawberry, cinnamon, mace and leather swirl around the ...See Full Review$36 -
Koehler 2020 Sangiovese (Santa Ynez Valley)
Central CoastJuicy and refreshing aromas of strawberry sorbet and berry compote join wet ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$40 -
Robert Renzoni 2018 Sangiovese (California)
California OtherNutmeg, cinnamon, plum sauce and caramel aromas make for a spicy and ...See Full Review$27 -
Stolpman 2021 Love You Bunches Sangiovese (Santa Barbara County)
Central CoastThis carbonic, chillable Sangiovese is what kicked off the Stolpman family's So ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$24 -
Terra d'Oro 2020 Sangiovese (Amador County)
Sierra FoothillsThis 100% Sangiovese offers delicately layered aromas of rose bush, raspberry, wild ...Best BuySee Full Review$20 -
La Honda Winery 2020 Exponent Red (Santa Cruz Mountains)
Central CoastDark plum, charred wood, oregano and light cocoa aromas make for a ...Cellar SelectionSee Full Review$26 -
Sunstone 2020 Soleil Rouge Sangiovese (Santa Barbara County)
Central CoastQuite light in the glass, this Sangiovese-forward bottling also includes 11% Cabernet ...See Full Review$45 -
Marco Lucchesi 2019 L'Attesa Terry Evans Vineyard Sangiovese (Santa Ynez Valley)
Central CoastLively aromas of rose petals and dark cherry are creamy and heavy ...See Full Review$85 -
Koehler 2020 Magia Nera Red (Santa Ynez Valley)
Central CoastFreshly squeezed, plump and juicy raspberry aromas are dusted in cinnamon and ...See Full Review$45 -
Scheid 2019 San Lucas Vineyard Sangiovese (Monterey)
Central CoastThere's a gamy, earthy angle to the nose of this rustic bottling, ...See Full Review$30 -
Europa Village 2018 Vienza Sangiovese (Sta. Rita Hills)
Central CoastThis must come from one of the only Sangiovese plantings in the ...See Full Review$42 -
Poderi Marini 2018 Korone' Red (Calabria)
Southern ItalyCalabria isn't known for Sangiovese but the Podere Marini expression might be ...See Full Review$21 -
Reininger 2016 Cima Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
Columbia ValleyThis blend of 50% Sangiovese, with the other 50% comprised of Merlot, ...See Full Review$68 -
Airfield Estates 2020 Spitfire Sangiovese-Cabernet Sauvignon (Yakima Valley)
Columbia ValleyThe Spitfire takes flight with aromas of blackberries and nutmeg, along with ...See Full Review$32 -
Atlas Peak 2018 American Super Tuscan Red (Napa Valley)
NapaRather firm and tannic in mouthfeel, this assertive blend of Cabernet Sauvignon ...See Full Review$30 -
Scotto Family Cellars 2019 Mohr Fry Ranch Reserve Zinfandel (Lodi)
Central ValleyThis blend of 83% Zin and 17% Sangiovese offers layered aromas and ...See Full Review$25
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