The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Culture & Lifestyle›Wine›Sangiovese
Culture & Lifestyle • Wine

Sangiovese

Sangiovese is a red Italian wine grape variety best known for its role in Tuscan wines such as Chianti, Chianti Classico, and Brunello di Montalcino.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sangiovese is a red Italian wine grape variety best known for its role in Tuscan wines such as Chianti, Chianti Classico, and Brunello di Montalcino. It is widely planted in Italy and is valued for wines with high acidity, firm tannins, and flavours often described as cherry, plum, and savoury spice.

Origin and name

Sangiovese is an Italian grape variety whose name is commonly derived from the Latin phrase sanguis Jovis, meaning "blood of Jupiter" or "blood of Jove." It has been documented in Tuscany since at least the 16th century.

Wine styles

Sangiovese is central to several of Italy's best-known wines, including Chianti, Chianti Classico, and Brunello di Montalcino. It is also used in Super Tuscan blends and other regional wines.

Wine characteristics

Wines made from Sangiovese are usually medium to full-bodied with high acidity and notable tannins. Common flavour descriptors include red cherry, plum, tobacco, spice, and other savoury notes.

Viticulture and distribution

Sangiovese is the most widely planted red grape variety in Italy and is grown mainly in central Italy, particularly Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Umbria. It is less dominant outside Italy, though it is grown in several wine-producing countries.

Key facts

  • Sangiovese is a red grape variety native to Italy.
  • It is especially associated with Tuscany and central Italian wine regions.
  • It is the principal grape in Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino, and is also used in many blends.
  • The grape typically produces wines with high acidity and firm tannins.
  • Its flavour profile is often described in terms of cherry, plum, red currant, spice, and savoury notes.
🍁
Canadian context

Sangiovese is relevant to Canadian wine readers because it is a major Italian grape variety widely imported, sold, and served in Canada, especially in Italian red wines and restaurant wine lists.

Frequently asked questions

What is Sangiovese?
Sangiovese is a red Italian wine grape variety used to make both single-varietal wines and blends.
Where does Sangiovese come from?
It is native to Italy and is especially associated with Tuscany and central Italian wine regions.
What wines are made from Sangiovese?
It is a key grape in Chianti, Chianti Classico, and Brunello di Montalcino, and is also used in Super Tuscan blends.
What does Sangiovese taste like?
Sangiovese wines are often described as high in acidity and tannin, with flavours of cherry, plum, spice, and savoury notes.
What does the name Sangiovese mean?
It is commonly traced to the Latin sanguis Jovis, meaning "blood of Jupiter" or "blood of Jove."

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sangiovese
    Supports: Basic identity of Sangiovese as a red Italian wine grape variety and the Latin name derivation.
  2. Wine Enthusiast — https://www.wineenthusiast.com/varietals/sangiovese/
    Supports: Association with Tuscany, key wine styles, tasting profile, and status as Italy’s most widely grown red grape variety.
  3. Wine Spectator — https://www.winespectator.com/articles/sangiovese-57814
    Supports: Name meaning, wine characteristics, flavour profile, and importance in Tuscany.
  4. Jancis Robinson — https://www.jancisrobinson.com/learn/grape-varieties/red/sangiovese
    Supports: Description of Sangiovese as the dominant grape of central Italian red wines and its flavour profile.