Sangiovese

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. Last week we discussed some of my favorite rose’ wines made from Sangiovese. As a result I was asked; what is Sangiovese? Today we address just that.

Most of us are familiar with the Italian wine Chianti. But many of us have no idea what Chianti is made from. Well, it is a wine made from the blending of several different types of grapes, predominantly from - you guessed it – the grape named Sangiovese. It is a red grape, from the Tuscan region of Italy. Sangiovese also contributes to the well known wine Montepulciano and many of the trendy “Super Tuscan” wines like Antinori’s Tignanello. Sangiovese appears to have originated in Tuscany, where it was well known by the 16th century. Sangiovese as a variety has at least fourteen clones of which Brunello is probably the best known and most popular. When young Sangiovese is usually fresh and fruity with a little spiciness, it has fragrances reminiscent of strawberry which is one reason I think it makes such attractive Rose’. However, it can be made into some serious wines when it is aged in oak, even developing heavy rich flavors which compliment the grapes in the “Super Tuscan” blends. Tomorrow we will discuss Chianti and the role Sangiovese plays in it as opposed to a “super Tuscan” wine. Remember to send your wine questions to lindat at vine to wine dot net and thanks for joining me on today’s Vine to Wine.