Tempranillo vs Sangiovese
Tempranillo
A medium-to-high-tannin black grape with red plum and cherry that develops savory, leathery notes with age, and Rioja's dominant red variety.
- Red plum
- Medium to high tannin
- Savory with age
Recognize it
Medium to firm tannin frames red plum and cherry. Tobacco and leather can develop with age. Vanilla or coconut usually point to oak, especially American oak, rather than the grape itself.
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.
How they compare
- SimilarSavory red fruit and firm tannin.
- DifferenceSangiovese is higher in acidity and more sour-cherry driven.