Sangiovese vs Aglianico
Sangiovese
A high-acid, firmly tannic black grape of sour cherry, and the grape behind Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino.
- Sour cherry
- High acidity
- Firm tannin
Recognize it
High acidity and drying tannin together, with medium rather than deep color. Sour cherry is the common fruit marker, often with dried herbs or earth.
Aglianico
A very tannic, high-acid black grape of black cherry from southern Italy, behind Taurasi in Campania and Aglianico del Vulture in Basilicata.
- Black cherry
- Very firm tannin
- High acidity
Recognize it
High acidity, firm tannin and full body, with black cherry and dried herb. Young examples can feel austere, and bottle age can soften the tannin.
How they compare
- SimilarHigh acidity and firm tannin.
- DifferenceAglianico is typically fuller-bodied and darker in color.