Sangiovese

Sangiovese: the heart of Tuscan red wine

Sangiovese is Italy's most widely planted red grape and the backbone of Tuscany's great wines. More than most reds, it is made to drink with food.

The grape changes a great deal with place. The hillsides of Chianti Classico give bright, perfumed wines; warmer, drier Montalcino gives deeper and more structured ones. It is also grown across central Italy, including Umbria, Marche and Abruzzo.

Where it comes from

• Chianti Classico: the hills between Florence and Siena, marked by the black rooster on the bottle. Wines must be at least 80% Sangiovese, in three tiers: Chianti Classico, Riserva and Gran Selezione. The wider Chianti zone, with sub-zones such as Colli Fiorentini, requires at least 70%. Browse Chianti & Chianti Classico.
• Montalcino: Brunello di Montalcino is 100% Sangiovese and cannot be released until the fifth year after harvest, the sixth for Riserva. Rosso di Montalcino, from the same hills, is released young and priced to drink now.
• Montepulciano: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano comes from the hilltop town of the same name and must be at least 70% Sangiovese. It has nothing to do with the Montepulciano grape of Abruzzo, which has its own Montepulciano collection.
• Maremma: Morellino di Scansano, from coastal southern Tuscany, is softer and ready sooner.
• Umbria: Lungarotti's Rubesco from Torgiano is a Sangiovese-based classic.
• Super Tuscans: wines labelled IGT Toscana. Some are pure Sangiovese, such as Fontodi's Flaccianello and Isole e Olena's Cepparello; others blend it with Merlot or Cabernet, such as Tenuta Luce. See our Tuscany range for more.

Producers we stock

From Tuscany: Fontodi, Isole e Olena, Antinori, Castello Romitorio, Argiano, Uccelliera, Voliero, Pian delle Vigne, Tenuta di Arceno, Corzano e Paterno, Tenuta Luce and Tenute del Cerro. From Umbria, Lungarotti.

What you get at each price

• Under $40: everyday Chianti, Tuscan and Umbrian IGT, starting from around $24.
• $40 to $100: Chianti Classico and Riserva, Rosso di Montalcino, Vino Nobile and Morellino di Scansano. The best value in the category for regular drinking.
• $100 to $250: Brunello di Montalcino (from around $130), Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, and pure-Sangiovese Super Tuscans such as Cepparello.
• $250 and up: Flaccianello, Brunello Riserva and single-vineyard Brunello, magnums, and Antinori's Solaia.

Label terms

• DOCG / DOC / IGT: Italy's appellation levels, from strictest to most flexible. Many Super Tuscans are IGT by choice, not because they are lesser wines.
• Classico: the original, historic heart of a zone, as in Chianti Classico.
• Riserva: longer minimum ageing before release.
• Gran Selezione: the top tier of Chianti Classico, made from estate-grown grapes with the longest ageing.
• Rosso di…: the younger, earlier-release wine of a zone, as in Rosso di Montalcino.

Buying by the case, and wines on request

Sangiovese is one of the most reliable reds to buy by the case: a good Chianti Classico or Rosso di Montalcino works with almost anything from the kitchen. Delivery is free over $500. Because we order from many suppliers when you order, we can often find a vintage or estate that isn't listed here. Just ask.

Sangiovese FAQs

Is Chianti made from Sangiovese?

Yes. Chianti Classico must be at least 80% Sangiovese and Chianti at least 70%, with the balance from other permitted grapes.

What is the difference between Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino?

Both are 100% Sangiovese from Montalcino. Brunello has much longer ageing before release and is built to cellar, while Rosso is released young, drinks well straight away and costs a fraction of the price.

What food goes with Sangiovese?

Tomato-based pasta, pizza, grilled steak and roast meats are classic matches. Its acidity also suits hard cheeses such as pecorino.

What is a Super Tuscan?

A Tuscan red made outside the traditional DOC and DOCG rules, usually labelled IGT Toscana. Some are pure Sangiovese; others blend it with, or replace it with, French grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.