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Wine Styles & Varietals

Sangiovese

Wine style and varietal guide

Reviewed by , Drinks Editor
RedRed • Dry12–14.5% ABVMedium bodyDry sweetnessmedium acidityMedium tannins

Is this for me?

Choose this if…

  • ✓You prefer dry, crisp wines without residual sweetness.

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  • ✗You prefer sweeter or off-dry wines.

What is Sangiovese?

A medium-bodied red wine with high acidity and flavors of red fruit, cherry, and tobacco.

Best For

DinnerSavoury foodRed

Food Pairings

CharcuterieCheeseCheese BoardItalian FoodPastaPizza

Taste & Style

Dry sweetnessmedium acidityMedium tanninsMedium bodyEarthyRed FruitAcidicTannic

Flavour profile

Earthy(medium)Red Fruit(high)Acidic(high)Tannic(medium)

Food pairings

  • CharcuterieCharcuterie · high
  • CheeseCheese · high
  • Cheese BoardCheese · high
  • Italian FoodItalian / Pizza / Pasta · high
  • PastaItalian / Pizza / Pasta · high
  • PizzaItalian / Pizza / Pasta · high

Best for

Also known as

Sangiovese (common_name)

Frequently asked questions

What is Sangiovese?
A medium-bodied red wine with high acidity and flavors of red fruit, cherry, and tobacco.
What does Sangiovese taste like?
Sangiovese is often described as Earthy, Red Fruit, Acidic, Tannic. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and vintage.
What foods pair with Sangiovese?
Sangiovese pairs well with Charcuterie, Cheese, Cheese Board, Italian Food. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
How strong is Sangiovese?
Sangiovese typically has an ABV of 12–14.5%. Strength varies by producer and vintage.
When should I drink Sangiovese?
Sangiovese works well as an aperitif, with a meal, or as a standalone sipping wine. The ideal occasion depends on the body and sweetness level — lighter styles suit casual dining while fuller-bodied wines complement heartier dishes.
What wines are similar to Sangiovese?
If you enjoy Sangiovese, explore other wine styles with a similar body and flavour profile using the sensory bars as a guide. Wines with matching acidity and tannin scores will feel closest in character.
Does Sangiovese improve with age?
Cellaring potential for Sangiovese depends on the producer, vintage and storage conditions. Most everyday expressions are best enjoyed within 3–5 years of release. Premium examples may benefit from longer ageing — check producer notes for guidance.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare wine styles at a glance.
How do I use the sensory profile to find wines I like?
If you enjoy light, crisp wines look for Light Body with Crisp Acidity. For bold, rich wines choose Full Body with Grippy Tannin. Compare Sangiovese with similar wine styles to find your next favourite.

Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.