Sangiovese Wine

Sangiovese (pronounced san-jee-oh-vay-zee) is Italy’s most-planted wine grape and has been cultivated since Roman times.  

These grapes, which range in color from deep blue to purple, create some of the most-loved Tuscan red wines, including famous Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti.

While known for producing high yields, Sangiovese’s slow ripening makes it a challenging grape to work with, and overproduction led to a poor reputation. Recent winemaking advances have seen a modern-day resurgence of interest in the grape, with a shift towards quality over quantity.

We have a great selection of top-notch Sangiovese wines, all perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for the ideal pairing for your next meal or to simply unwind with a friend over a glass of Sangiovese, explore our extensive range and discover your next wine adventure.

Sangiovese has been cultivated in Italy since Roman times—its name derives from the Latin for ‘blood of Jove’ or Jupiter’s blood, the Roman king of the gods.

It’s the predominant grape grown in Tuscany, central Italy, but it also has a stronghold in the Emilia-Romagna region in the north of the country.

Outside of Italy, Sangiovese is rarely grown. It can be found on the French island of Corsica, in Romania, the U.S., Argentina, Chile, and the Barossa Valley in Australia.

Sangiovese’s style and character varies, depending on where it’s grown and whether it’s blended. Generally, Sangiovese is a savory wine with earthy notes and tart red fruit flavors.

Darker red than many lighter red wines, Sangiovese is a medium-bodied wine with high acidity and tannins. With its medium to high alcohol (12-14% ABV), Sangiovese grown in its native Italy can be more fruit-forward than those made from grapes grown in warmer regions, such as California or Australia, which adopt a smokier taste.

Sangiovese can be drunk young, but most wines benefit from two to five years of aging. The finest Sangiovese,  like Brunello di Montalcino, will last for 20 years or longer.

Sangiovese wines present earthy and savory aromas and offer intense red fruit flavors. Typical tasting notes include:

• Sour cherry
• Red plum
• Red currant
• Strawberry
• Fig
• Cranberry

Mature Sangiovese can also have flavors of:

• Roasted pepper
• Tomato
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Dried roses

When aged in oak, Sangiovese can develop notes of:

• Wild raspberry
• Smoke
• Spice
• Coffee
• Leather

Sangiovese is Italy’s best-known and most widely planted grape, but some regions produce better examples than others. The finest bottles come from Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, though many Super Tuscan blends have achieved fame and offer great quality, too.

Sangiovese from other Italian regions, such as Emilia-Romagna or Umbria, may be better suited for drinking young.

It is also essential to consider the winemaking style, as Sangiovese wines can vary significantly in their flavor profile. Some producers use new oak barrels, which can give the wine a spicier, more robust flavor, while others use older barrels or avoid oak altogether, resulting in a lighter, more delicate wine.

With its savory notes, acidity, and rich fruit flavor, Sangiovese is a natural partner to Italian food—from pizza to tomato-based pasta dishes. The earthy and fruity notes of this wine also make it an excellent match for herbaceous dishes—any chicken dish rich in herbs will be delicious with a glass or two of Sangiovese.

Cheese lovers will want to stock up, too, as Sangiovese will perfectly complement the taste of hard, acidic cheeses.

A classic red wine glass is the go-to for Sangiovese. The wine should be served at room temperature (around 68° F) or slightly chilled, which helps the tannins mellow, enhancing the fruit and floral notes