Sangiovese vs Nebbiolo
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.
Nebbiolo
A pale-colored black grape with very high tannin and high acidity, scented with rose and tar, and the grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco.
- Pale color
- Rose and tar
- Very high tannin
Recognize it
Nebbiolo is pale in color but very high in drying tannin, with high acidity as well. Rose, red cherry, and tar are classic markers, with more savory notes developing with age.
How they compare
- SimilarHigh acidity and firm tannin.
- DifferenceNebbiolo is paler, more tannic, and more likely to show rose and tar.
- SimilarHigh acidity and firm tannin.
- DifferenceSangiovese is darker and more sour-cherry driven, while Nebbiolo leans toward rose and tar.