Sangiovese: The Heart and Soul of Italian Red Wine

Have you ever wondered which grape is the most popular in Italy?  Well, when it comes to Italian red wines, one varietal reigns supreme—Sangiovese. 

With its versatile nature and ability to capture the essence of different regions, Sangiovese has become the most widespread red wine grape in Italy. Exploring the characteristics of Sangiovese, the different types of wines produced from it, its usage in blends, famous wines associated with the grape, and the regions across Italy where it thrives can help us learn more about why this particular grape is so highly valued.

Sangiovese Grape

Sangiovese is a red grape variety that originated in central Italy. It is known for its thin-skinned grapes that produce wines with good acidity, moderate tannins, and a wide range of flavors. This adaptability allows Sangiovese to express the unique terroir of various Italian regions.

Types of Sangiovese Wines

The Sangiovese grape is used to produce a diverse assortment of wines, which vary in style and ageing potential. Some of the most prominent styles include:

-Chianti: Perhaps the most famous Sangiovese-based wine, Chianti is produced in the same-named wine area of Tuscany. Often a blend of Sangiovese with other local grape varieties, it offers bright red fruit flavors, herbal notes, and a refreshing acidity.

-Brunello di Montalcino: Grown in the prestigious area surrounding the town of Montalcino in Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino exclusively uses Sangiovese grapes. These wines are rich, full-bodied, and possess remarkable ageing potential. Flavors of dark cherry, leather, and earthy undertones are common in Brunello di Montalcino.

– Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: Produced around Tuscany’s medieval hilltop town of Montepulciano, this wine also predominantly features Sangiovese. It is similar to Brunello di Montalcino but generally offers a slightly softer and earlier-drinking version.

Sangiovese in Blends

While Sangiovese often shines as a single-varietal wine, it is also frequently used as a blending grape. In regions like Tuscany, winemakers build complex and balanced wines by combining Sangiovese with grapes like Canaiolo, Colorino, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Such blending helps enhance the structure, depth, and overall complexity of the final product.

Famous Sangiovese Wines
Some of the most renowned wines that prominently feature Sangiovese are:

– Tignanello, a super Tuscan wine that includes a substantial amount of Sangiovese alongside Cabernet Sauvignon. It has garnered international acclaim for its elegance and finesse.

– Sassicaia: Another legendary super Tuscan, Sassicaia hails from in and around Bolgheri. Although primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine’s blend often includes Sangiovese, resulting in a masterful and age-worthy wine.

Sangiovese Growing Regions
Sangiovese thrives in several Italian regions, primarily within central Italy. Some notable regions include:

– Tuscany: Tuscany is the heartland of Sangiovese, where it dominates in Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

– Emilia-Romagna: Sangiovese also shows its prowess in this northern region, where it is the principal grape in the famous wine Emilia-Romagna.

– Umbria: Found mostly in the Torgiano and Montefalco areas of Umbria, Sangiovese contributes to the production of exceptional red wines, including Sagrantino di Montefalco.

Sangiovese is undeniably Italy’s most popular and widespread red wine varietal, representing the soul of Italian winemaking. Its versatility in producing an array of outstanding wines, both single-varietal and blends, has solidified its place in the hearts of wine lovers worldwide. Whether enjoying a Chianti, a Brunello di Montalcino, or other Sangiovese-based wine that exhibits the vast terroirs from which it comes, Sangiovese offers a uniquely Italian experience.