Wines
Sangiovese
Wine style and varietal guide
- Red
- Red • Dry
- 12–14.5% ABV
- Medium body
- Dry sweetness
- medium acidity
Is this for me?
Choose this if…
- ✓You prefer dry, crisp wines without residual sweetness.
Skip if…
- ✗You prefer sweeter or off-dry wines.
At a Glance
Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →
On this page
What is Sangiovese?
Taste profile
Sensory profile
- Style: Red
- ABV range: 12–14.5%
- Medium body
- Dry sweetness
- Body
- Medium
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Acidity
- medium
- Tannin
- Medium
- Earthy · medium intensity — Sangiovese can show earthy savoury notes.
- Red Fruit · high intensity — Sangiovese commonly shows cherry and red fruit character.
- Acidic · high intensity — Sangiovese is typically high in acidity.
- Tannic · medium intensity — Sangiovese commonly has firm tannic structure.
Based on structured style profile and canonical flavor relationships.
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.
How to serve
- Serving temperature
- 16°C
- Glassware
- Bordeaux glass
Food pairings
- Charcuterie
- Cheese
- Cheese Board
- Italian Food
- Pasta
- Pizza
When to serve
Dietary
How Sangiovese fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-Free
Also known as
Alternatives to try
Reviewed style alternatives
- RossaBoth red styles; similar sweetness (dry); medium body.
- Baco NoirBoth red styles; similar sweetness (dry); medium body.
- BarberaBoth red styles; similar sweetness (dry); medium body.
- BlaufrankischBoth red styles; similar sweetness (dry); medium body.
- MenciaBoth red styles; similar sweetness (dry); medium body.
Style alternatives preserve drink-family context but can change sweetness, acidity, bitterness, body, aroma or alcohol range.
About this drink
Sangiovese is central to Tuscan wine traditions, including Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Its history matters because the grape often brings acidity, cherry and savory notes that make it highly food-friendly.
How to compare
How to compare Sangiovese
Compare this wine by body, acidity, sweetness and finish. Similar grape or style names can feel very different once structure and food pairing change.
When to choose it
When to choose Sangiovese
Choose Sangiovese when its body, acidity, tannin and sweetness fit the dish. It has 6 structured pairing matches to help compare food options.
Skip if
Skip Sangiovese if...
Skip Sangiovese if its body, acidity or sweetness does not match the dish. Wine style choice works best when structure fits the food weight.
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.
- 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.
Last updated
Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.