---
title: Sangiovese
description: Italy's most popular red wine grape, and how it is so much more than Chianti.
---

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# Sangiovese

[![La vigna di sangiovese](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/La_vigna_di_sangiovese.jpg/512px-La_vigna_di_sangiovese.jpg)](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ALa_vigna_di_sangiovese.jpg)

AKA The Blood of Jove  
Most widely planted grape in Italy  
Often blended with Canaiolo or international varietals such as Cabernet, Syrah or Merlot  
Different expressions based on locale  
Chianti DOCG  
8 subzones  
Brunello di Montalcino  
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano  
Morellino di Scansano

 

Features:   
2 type grapes:   
Grosso;   
Piccolo thinner skin small tight bunches late ripen, prone to multiple clones  
Susceptibility: good resistance, workhorse grape  
Climate: prefers warm climates without too much sun  
Soil: limestone, clay

Carbonic Maceration   
Post Fermentation Maceration - to increase aromatics and concentration   
Oak aging:  
26 months riserva for Chianti and Classico

Old World: Tuscany, ITALY “the king of Italy”,   
New World: California

Color: bright berry red, gets darker with age and quality. Natural orange rim  
Aroma: low aromatics due to low extract. bright tart cherry; Chianti to rich berry, plums, cherry sandalwood Classico , tobacco leaf, slight gamey, leather and spice. Richer, riper, more complex & longer finish with Classico  
Body: medium  
Acidity: medium plus   
Alcohol: medium   
Tannins: soft texture  
Flavors: bright tart to rich cherry, strawberry black pepper, balsamic vinegar