Sangiovese

Sangiovese is Italy's most widely planted grape variety. It is one of Italy's national varieties, grown in most regions, but its spiritual home is Tuscany. The latest figures from 2022 show 65,000 hectares of Sangiovese, nearly twice as much as the next variety, Glera, formerly known as Prosecco, at 38,000 hectares.

This variety vies with Nebbiolo as Italy's most noble black variety. Sangiovese is easier to grow and less sensitive to its environment than Nebbiolo. It is the sole component or major constituent in the Tuscan DOC/Gs Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Noble di Montepulciano, and Morellino di Scansano.

Like Nebbiolo and many other native black varieties in Italy, it is a late ripener, typically harvested in early October. Its defining characteristics are high acidity levels, which makes it a long-ageing wine in some cases, medium to powerful tannins, and distinct black cherry aromas.