Sangiovese wine: the soul of Italy, from Chianti to Brunello

What does Sangiovese taste like?

Sangiovese is a grape of tension and finesse. On the nose you'll recognise it by red cherries, plums and violets, often with savoury, earthy notes of thyme, tobacco and leather. Barrel and bottle ageing add complex aromas of dried cherries, balsamic and forest floor.

On the palate, Sangiovese is all about fresh acidity and firm yet fine tannins. That is why the wine is rarely heavy or jammy: even a powerful Brunello stays lively and elegant. The same structure makes Sangiovese an excellent wine for the cellar — great vintages develop for decades.

The grape is surprisingly versatile too. Alongside serious reds, Sangiovese produces sparkling rosés, light bubbles and even traditional dessert wines, such as the Vino di Visciole from the Marche in which Sangiovese melts together with wild cherries.

Serving and pairing Sangiovese

Serve Sangiovese at 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. Young, fresh styles can even take a slight chill; a mature Brunello or Super Tuscan, on the other hand, benefits from some air in a decanter so its complex aromas can open up.

Thanks to its fresh acidity, Sangiovese is one of the world's great food wines. The classic pairing is anything with tomato: pasta al ragù, pizza, lasagne. But grilled meat — think of the Florentine bistecca — game, herb-roasted chicken and vegetarian dishes with mushrooms or aubergine make splendid partners as well.

For cheese, go Italian: an aged pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano brings the wine's cherry fruit and savoury notes together perfectly. A Sangiovese rosé or sparkler is best served chilled, as an aperitif or with light summer dishes.

Buy Sangiovese wine at NEVINI

If you want to buy Sangiovese wine, NEVINI lets you taste the full breadth of the grape, imported directly from the wineries themselves.

The absolute top wine in our collection is the Antinori Tignanello 2022: one of the very first Super Tuscans, with Sangiovese in the leading role alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, from the famous Tignanello vineyard in the heart of Chianti Classico. You'll also find Brunello di Montalcino from Altesino — including the Montosoli cru and the Riserva — and from Banfi: pure Sangiovese from Montalcino at its finest.

From the Marche comes the selection of the Guerrieri family, with the juicy Sangiovese Colli Pesaresi DOC, the powerful Guerriero Della Terra blend with Montepulciano, the elegant rosé Rosa dei Venti, the cheerful sparkler Ale and the traditional cherry wine L'Amico Ciliegia.

All bottles are easy to order online. Not sure which Sangiovese suits you best? Send us a message on WhatsApp — we're happy to think along with you from our home base in Maastricht.