Sangiovese
Sangiovese is one of Italy’s best known grape varieties, celebrated for its ability to express place and season in a glass. Typically associated with Tuscany, it brings a lively mix of red fruit flavours, such as cherry and red plum, along with a gentle hint of herbs and earthy notes. When you taste Sangiovese young, you can often expect bright, refreshing acidity that makes it wonderfully food friendly.
In the vineyard, Sangiovese is valued for its character and resilience, though it does respond to careful growing conditions. The grape is the backbone of many classic Italian styles, including Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Depending on how the wine is made and aged, the flavour profile can shift from crisp, youthful fruit to more layered aromas of dried cherry, leather and spice, with tannins that gradually become smoother.
If you enjoy wines with backbone rather than sweetness, Sangiovese is a brilliant choice. It pairs particularly well with Italian dishes, roast meats, tomato based sauces, and a wide range of cheeses. Exploring a range of Sangiovese bottles is a great way to understand how terroir shapes the final flavour.