Wines
Sangiovese
Wine style and varietal guide
Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamSuggest a correction
- Red
- Red • Dry
- 12–14.5% ABV
- Medium body
- Dry sweetness
- medium acidity
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- ✓You prefer dry, crisp wines without residual sweetness.
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- ✗You prefer sweeter or off-dry wines.
At a Glance
12–14.5%ABV
DrySweetness
mediumAcidity
MediumTannin
MediumBody
16°CServe
Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →
On this page
What is Sangiovese?
A medium-bodied red wine with high acidity and flavors of red fruit, cherry, and tobacco.
Taste profile
Dry sweetnessmedium acidityMedium tanninsMedium bodyEarthyRed FruitAcidicTannic
Sensory profile
BodyLight – Full
DrynessSweet – Bone dry
TanninSoft – Grippy
AcidityFlat – Crisp
FruitinessEarthy – Fruity
BoldnessDelicate – Bold
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
- Style: Red
- ABV range: 12–14.5%
- Medium body
- Dry sweetness
Grape & region
- Grape varieties
- Sangiovese
- Region(s)
- Tuscany, Chianti, Montalcino, Montepulciano
- Country
- Italy
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Skin contact
- Extended red-wine skin contact
Principal wine regions
A principal grape in Tuscany — explore the regions known for it.
How it’s made
- Method
- Red wine made from Sangiovese grapes, fermented on skins and commonly aged in oak or large casks for savoury cherry, acidity and tannin.
Food pairings
- Charcuterie
- Cheese
- Cheese Board
- Italian Food
- Pasta
- Pizza
When to serve
DinnerSavoury foodRed
Dietary
How Sangiovese fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-Free
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.
Last updated
Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.