Sangiovese vs Xinomavro
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.
Xinomavro
A pale, very tannic Greek black grape of dried tomato and olive, and the grape of Naoussa in northern Greece.
- Dried tomato
- High tannin
- Pale color
Recognize it
Pale color with high acidity and high, drying tannin. Sun-dried tomato and olive are classic aromas.
How they compare
- SimilarHigh acidity and savory character.
- DifferenceSangiovese is softer in tannin; Xinomavro is more austere and more tomato-driven.