Sangiovese

At a glance

• 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.

Detail

Sangiovese is the grape behind Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Brunello is made from Sangiovese alone, while the other appellations can permit blending grapes. In Montepulciano, Sangiovese is traditionally called Prugnolo Gentile. High acidity is one of its most consistent structural markers.

Similar grapes

• Barbera

  Similar high acidity and sour cherry fruit.

  Difference Barbera has much lower tannin and deeper color.

  Compare side by side →

• Nebbiolo

  Similar high acidity and firm tannin.

  Difference Nebbiolo is paler, more tannic, and more likely to show rose and tar.

  Compare side by side →

Explore

Wines made from Sangiovese

• Chianti Classico
• Brunello di Montalcino
• Chianti
• Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
• Carmignano
• Morellino di Scansano
• Patrimonio
• Rosso di Montalcino
• Rosso Conero
• Chianti Superiore
• Montefalco Rosso
• Chianti Classico Riserva

Where it grows

• Tuscany
• Italy
• Marche
• Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
• Chianti Classico
• Montepulciano
• Brunello di Montalcino
• Montalcino