Comparison
Sangiovese vs Tempranillo — What's the Difference?
Sangiovese and tempranillo occupy adjacent territory in the same category — they share a base lineage but diverge on fermentation character, bitterness, body, or ABV. This page puts the data side by side so you can see exactly where they differ on flavour profile, strength, and typical serve.
Option A
Sangiovese
12–14.5% ABVMedium bodyRed
EarthyRed FruitAcidic
Option B
Tempranillo
12–14.5% ABVMedium-Full bodyRed
Red FruitOakTannic
Quick verdict
Sangiovese is Medium-bodied; Tempranillo is Medium-Full-bodied.
Sangiovese vs Tempranillo — at a glance
| Detail | Sangiovese | Tempranillo |
|---|---|---|
| Drink type | Wine | Wine |
| ABV range | 12–14.5% ABV | 12–14.5% ABV |
| Body | Medium | Medium-Full |
| Color | Red | Red |
| Sweetness | Dry | Medium |
| Acidity | Medium | Medium-low |
| Flavors | Earthy, Red Fruit, Acidic, Tannic | Red Fruit, Oak, Tannic, Vanilla |
| Food pairings | Charcuterie, Cheese, Cheese Board | Charcuterie, Cheese, Cheese Board |
| Production method | Red wine made from Sangiovese grapes, fermented on skins and commonly aged in oak or large casks for savoury cherry, acidity and tannin. | Red wine made from Tempranillo grapes, fermented on skins and often aged in oak, especially in Rioja and Ribera del Duero styles. |
— = data not available for this style.
Character difference
→ Sangiovese
A medium-bodied red wine with high acidity and flavors of red fruit, cherry, and tobacco.
EarthyRed FruitAcidicTannic
First option→ Tempranillo
A medium-bodied red wine with high acidity and flavors of red fruit, leather, and tobacco.
Red FruitOakTannicVanilla
Second optionWhen to choose each
→ Sangiovese
- Reach for Sangiovese when you want something stronger and spirit-adjacent
→ Tempranillo
- Reach for Tempranillo when you want something stronger and spirit-adjacent
Food pairings
Sangiovese
- Charcuterie
- Cheese
- Cheese Board
- Italian Food
- Pasta
Tempranillo
- Charcuterie
- Cheese
- Cheese Board
- Tapas
- Lamb
Methodology
Frequently asked questions
- What is sangiovese?
- Sangiovese is a wine style with a specific set of flavor characteristics, production conventions, and typical ABV range. The profile card on this page summarises its key attributes from WhatDrink data.
- What is tempranillo?
- Tempranillo is a distinct wine style. The comparison on this page shows how it differs from sangiovese on flavor, body, bitterness, and other sensory dimensions.
- What is the main difference between sangiovese and tempranillo?
- The comparison table above highlights the most meaningful differences — flavor direction, body, typical ABV, and food pairing fit. The two styles may overlap in some areas while differing significantly in others.
- What does sangiovese taste like?
- Sangiovese has a characteristic flavor profile shaped by its ingredients and production method. The sensory profile bars on this page show its relative sweetness, bitterness, body, and other dimensions from WhatDrink data.
- When should I choose sangiovese over tempranillo?
- The "When to choose" section above gives a side-by-side guide based on occasion, flavor preference, and food pairing. Neither style is universally better — it depends on context and personal taste.
- Which is stronger — sangiovese or tempranillo?
- Typical ABV ranges for both styles are shown in the comparison table. Strength varies between producers, so always check the specific product you are pouring.
- What foods pair with sangiovese and tempranillo?
- Food pairing suggestions for both styles are drawn from WhatDrink data and shown in the comparison section. The two styles may overlap on some pairings while suiting different foods in other cases.