Sangiovese is one of my favourite grape varieties and it is easy to see why! Originating in Italy, this wine is taking the world by storm. Whether you know it as Chianti, Brunello, a Super Tuscan, you have enjoyed an Italian Sangiovese. However, we are seeing more and more of it in Australia from many of our wine regions. And in so many different styles, such as this low alcohol alternative from Tread Softly which offers something completely different! If you haven’t had much Sangiovese before, here are 5 reasons to love Sangiovese!
Sangiovese tastes delicious
It wouldn’t be a list of five reasons to love Sangiovese without the most important factor: the taste. Sangiovese is knowns for being simply delicious. There is a reason that it is one of Italy’s most popular food wines! It is best known for its classic cherry flavour but has so much more to offer. In any sip, you might come across red plum, strawberry, fig and cherry as well as flavours of dried herbs such as thyme. But you can also find rich flavours of smoke, tobacco and clay too depending on the region that the grapes were grown in, and winemaking techniques. This means that every Sangiovese can offer something different!
Sangiovese is highly adaptable
A great reason to love Sangiovese starts in the vineyard. This is one of the many reasons why it is becoming so much more popular! Whether you’re growing Sangiovese in its hometown of Chianti or looking to the new world in Australia, Sangiovese will grow with its signature cherry, chewy tannin and mouthwatering acidity. But it will also take on the flavours of the terroir wherever you go, offering unique flavours. You can also find Sangiovese in Corsica, Argentina and the US! Talk about going on a trip around the world through wine.
Sangiovese is the ultimate food wine
It also wouldn’t be a good ‘5 reasons to love Sangiovese’ list without talking about food. And the good news? Sangiovese goes with everything. From Pizza on a Friday night on the couch to a chilled Sunday afternoon. Sangiovese is high in tannin and high acid meaning it cleanses the palate when eating food. Whether it is a steak or hard cheese, Sangiovese is always a winner.
There are so many versions of Sangiovese to discover
There is a lot of variety when it comes to Sangiovese. From the Chianti Classico of Italy to the super Tuscans, to the varieties coming out of Australia. They also range from light to heavy and don’t always need to knock your socks off with deep earthy flavours. Like this one from Tread Softly which is fruit-driven and low alcohol. This grape variety is so versatile so no two Sangioveses are always the same!
Sangiovese creates some excellent blends
And finally, Sangiovese is great for blending with other grapes to create new and interesting wines. This is what winemakers in Chianti did with their Super Tuscans which are now very popular. With its savoury and tannic nature, Sangiovese blends excellently with Merlot and Cabernet for wines that age really well and taste elegant and soft. It is also often used to make Rose!
So there you have my 5 reasons to love Sangiovese (you can read my full guide here). I’d love to hear in the comments below why you love this Italian variety.
If you want to check out the Tread Softly Sangiovese, you can find it at major retailers.