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Sangiovese

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Species: Vitis Vinifera
Parentage: Offspring of Ciliegiolo & “Calabrese Montenuovo” (A nearly extinct grape variety)
Aliases: Brunello, Sangiovese Grosso
Grape Color: Purple
Regions: Primarily Tuscany; also Romagna, Lazio, Campania, Sicily

Prounounced “San-joh-vay-say,” this Italian wine varietal is Tuscany’s #1 red wine grape. It’s the pistol of Central Italy, with the capability to produce styles ranging from red wines to still wines, sparkling wines to dessert wines, It’s the grape every grape wants to be, with at least 14 Sangiovese clones existing today.

Sangiovese is excellent as a blend, but when used as a sole varietal, it is hard and acidic. Winemakers tend to blend this varietal with Bordeaux grapes, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, and even white wine grapes, sometimes Trebbiano and Malvasia. Sangiovese’ role in Tuscany’s famous Chianti wines is similar to Cabernet Sauvignon’s key presence in Bourdeaux wines -- A typical Chianti wine permits 90% Sangiovese in its contents, amongst less superior white and red wine grapes.

In general, Sangiovese is dependent on the grapes it works with.

High acidity. High tannin content. Thin-skinned, making it highly vulnerable to rotting. As beautifully complex as this grape is, it isn’t the easiest for winemaking. Sangiovese requires warmer, longer growing seasons in order to ripen to its full potential. Too much heat -- it’s flavors weaken. Too much cold -- it risks high acidity. Incorrect fermentation risks turning Sangiovese wine into vinegar. This varietal adapts to all different types of soils, but prospers most with high concentrations of limestone. At its best, Sangiovese produces elegant wines with powerful aromas.

Flavors are dependent upon the region the particular Sangiovese is grown in. Tuscan-Sangiovese tends to be bittersweet, with hints of cherry and violet. Californian Sangiovese will have hints of brighter, redder fruit flavors. Argentinian Sangiovese will also tend to have bitter notes of cherry.

Wines made of Sangiovese have the potential to age gracefully, the most premier vintages up to 20 years, but are best consumed early on in their lifespans.

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Updates to Sangiovese

Aug 19, 2011 at 3:06pm

89065Gregory Dal Piaz added a description for Sangiovese

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Sangiovese on Snooth

May 2012

Kiona Estate Bottled Red Mountain Reserve Sangiovese 2004

Snoothrank: Starting at $19^.99

On first opening the nose is dusty pie cherry with some toasty nut character. The palate is pie cherry with some creamy coconut notes and a slightly tart finish.One hour later the nose is featuring dusty clean cedar and cherries with some light creamy nuttiness on the finish. The... Read more

Wine review by luchavino
May 2012

Brunello di Montalcino la Poderina 2005

Snoothrank:

look = 6/10, smell = 15/20, taste = 12/20; total = 33/50

Wine review by mistersplice
May 2012

Marchesi Cereja Uvaggio 2009

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by smithdaj54
May 2012

Zenato Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico Red 2007

Snoothrank:

The Zenato family have a long tradition in the Lombardy and Veneto regions of ... of Corvina, Rondinella and Sangiovese grapes from the Valpolicella Classico zone, in the communes of SantAmbrogio, Negrar, Pedemonte, Fumane, San Pietro in Cariano and Marano. After being picked into... Read more

Wine review by The Winestation
May 2012

Fattorie Melini la Selvanella Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2006

Snoothrank:

Dark ruby hue with an orange rim, and black plum, spice and dark chocolate aromas; leads to tart black-fruit and spicy oak flavors, with integrated, warm tannins and and a pleasingly long finish of acidity and sweet, wet wood.

Wine review by InWineTruth
May 2012

PS to.... Antonio Chef Tony, dear chef Ornellaia is , like all the wine ... a Chianti classico, Based on Sangiovese and Colorino and Canaiolo....Ciao a tutt

Forum post in the topic Beviamo del vino Italiano!
May 2012

Recently i've tried Isole e Olena Chianti Classico and it was really ... one of my favourite ...100% sangiovese in their chianti (http://www.felsina.it/)but actually i drinc a Chianti outside the chianti CLASSICO area and it's This (... Read more

Forum post in the topic Beviamo del vino Italiano!
May 2012

Marchesi Mazzei Chianti Classico Castello di Fonterutoli 2005

Snoothrank:

More like a SuperTuscan than a CC - very New World in style... lots of oak, creamy, smooth. A real crowd-pleaser for sure, but not really my style.

Wine review by mjmadaio
May 2012

Folonari Chianti 2010

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by annecara
May 2012

Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 2005

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No written review

Wine review by Pipai