What Sangiovese Tastes Like
Wines made from Sangiovese are known for their bright, fruity flavors and their high acidity. They often have flavors and aromas of cherries, red berries, and spices, with a distinct savory or earthy quality. The wines are typically medium to full-bodied, with medium to high tannins and a long finish. They can range in style from light and fruity to bold and powerful, depending on how they are made and aged.
In Texas, Sangiovese wines are likely to have similar flavor characteristics as those made from the grape in other regions. However, Sangiovese that are grown with more sunlight will produce wines that are more full-bodied and flavorful, with higher levels of alcohol and more pronounced fruit flavors. This is because more Texas sunlight can lead to higher levels of ripeness in the grapes, which can result in more concentrated flavors and aromas in the wine.
Where is Sangiovese from?
Sangiovese is a red grape variety that is native to Italy and is primarily grown in the central and southern regions of the country. It is the most widely planted grape variety in Italy and is the main component of some of the country's most famous wine regions, such as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino.
Sangiovese is a grape variety that is often associated with Tuscany, where it is widely grown. However, what is not commonly known is that Sangiovese has both Tuscan and Calabrian origins. Calabria, located in the southern region of Italy, has a hot climate and is known for producing grapes with strong heat-resistant genetics. In the Texas Hill Country, where Sangiovese is thriving, grape growers have found that it is particularly well-suited to the region's rolling hills, which are similar to its traditional growing area in Tuscany.
Sangiovese - Styles of Wine
The most well-known style of Sangiovese wine is made in the style of Chianti, which is a dry, medium- to full-bodied wine with flavors of cherries, berries, and herbs. Texas winemakers are also making exciting Rose wines right now, which is a style that is taking off in Texas and bringing acclaim to Texas nationally.
Sangiovese Food and Wine Pairings
Sangiovese is a versatile wine that pairs well with a wide range of foods. It is particularly well-suited to classic Italian dishes, such as pasta with red sauce, pizza, and grilled meats. It also pairs well with other hearty dishes, such as roast beef, lamb, and game meats. Dishes like Spaghetti alla Carbonara or Spaghetti Bolognese, and dishes featuring grilled or roasted meats, such as Pollo alla Griglia (grilled chicken) or Arrosto di Maiale (roasted pork).
Sangiovese may be the most flexible wine in terms of food pairings, because it is so balanced in it flavor profiles. Big steakhouse Cabernets Sauvignons for example have bold flavors and big grippy tannins, which can overpower meals. Sangiovese should be your go-to wine when you have a combination of red meats and fish or chicken. If you are attending dinner with friends and you need to bring a wine, Sangio is your best bet.
