Sangiovese is one of Italy's most popular grape varieties and is the main ingredient in some of the nation's most iconic wines, such as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Sangiovese is a versatile grape that can be used to produce wines of various styles, from light and fruity to big and bold. Here are 10 of our favourite Sangiovese-based wines from Italy.
1. Chianti Classico Riserva –
One of Italy's most classic wines, Chianti Classico Riserva is made with 100% Sangiovese grapes. This wine is full-bodied with firm tannins and flavours of red fruits, spice and tobacco. Especially great with dark meats and heavy pasta's.
2. Brunello di Montalcino –
Another classic Italian wine made with 100% Sangiovese, Brunello di Montalcino is a full-bodied red with intense flavours of dark fruits, leather and earth. This wine has incredibly firm tannins and needs time to age before it reaches its peak.
3. Rosso di Montepulciano –
A lighter style of Sangiovese-based wine, Rosso di Montepulciano is made with grapes that are typically harvested earlier than those used for Brunello di Montalcino. This wine is fruit-forward with soft tannins and flavours of red berries, cherries and spice.
4. Morellino di Scansano –
Another lighter style of Sangiovese, Morellino di Scansano is made with grapes grown in the coastal region of Tuscany. This wine is fresh and vibrant with flavours of red fruits and a touch of minerality.
5. Nobile di Montepulciano –
A medium-bodied red wine made with 100% Sangiovese grapes, Nobile di Montepulciano has classic flavours of red fruits, leather and spice. This wine is well-balanced with supportive tannins that make it perfect for drinking now or cellaring for the future.
6. Chianti Superiore –
A step up from basic Chianti, Chianti Superiore is made with 100% Sangiovese grapes that are typically harvested from older vines. This wine is full-bodied with firm tannins and rich flavours of dark fruits, coffee and chocolate.
7. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva –
A top quality wine made with 100% Sangiovese grapes, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva is full-bodied and complex with flavours of dark fruits, spices, leather and tobacco. This wine needs time to age before it reaches its full potential, so be sure to give it at least a few years in the cellar before popping the cork!
8. Sassicaia –
One of Italy's most famous wines, Sassicaia is a super Tuscan made with 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Sangiovese. Thiswine is full-bodied and powerful with intense flavours of dark fruits, cassis, vanilla and cigar box tobacco. Sassicaia is incredibly age-worthy, so be sure to stash a few bottles away for future enjoyment!
9. Ornellaia –
Another famous super Tuscan, Ornellaia is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlotand 10% Sangiovese. Thiswine is beautifully balanced with ripe fruit flavours of blackberries and plums complemented by notes of mocha, vanillaand espresso beans. Like Sassicaia, Ornellaia will improve with age, so don't hesitate to stock up on this one!
10. Tignanello –
The flagship wine from Antinori, Tignanello is a super Tuscan blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc .This wine is powerful yet elegant with flavours of dark fruits, spices, chocolate and coffee beans .Tignanello is an excellent example of how well Sangiovese marries with other Bordeaux grape varieties and can improve with age so don't miss out on this one! Wines from Italy
If you have found the perfect sangiovese wine that suits you best, make sure to keep it on the right temperature to ensure the quality of the wine! You should also think of the best way to enjoy it by pairing it up with the perfect meal.