Sangiovese 🍷
Photo by Agne27 on Wikimedia Commons
Sangiovese is the most widely planted red wine grape in Italy. The name comes from Latin words meaning "the blood of Jupiter," which shows that people have grown it since ancient Roman times.
Its main home is the Tuscany region of Italy, where winemakers use it to make famous wines like Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Today, farmers also grow this grape in other warm parts of the world, including California, Washington State, and South Australia.
Aromas include red cherry, strawberry, and dried herbs. On the palate, it has flavors of tart cherry, plum and blackberry. It is naturally high in acidity, which makes the wine taste crisp. It also has medium-high tannins.
The aging potential of the wine depends on how the winemaker made it. Simple, inexpensive bottles are meant to be consumed within 3 to 5 years of the harvest. High-quality bottles can age in a cellar for 10 to 20 years.
Serve Sangiovese at 60°F to 65°F (15°C to 18°C). Use a standard red wine glass with a slightly narrowed top.