Sangiovese
Sangiovese is a red grape native to Tuscany. It is extremely popular in Italy, where it is the base grape for Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Morellino di Scansano and others. Sangiovese-based wines are usually lightly colored with high acid, light body and moderate to high tannins. The dominating characteristics are commonly red cherry, violets and tea. You can use Wine Enthusiast’s online Buying Guide to find the top-rated Sangiovese among our extensive Sangiovese wine reviews and easy-to-use database. Our Sangiovese reviews will give you a general idea what to expect from wines made from Sangiovese, and will help you find one that best suits your needs.
Padelletti 2007 Riserva Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)
- Cellar Selection
- $100
This is absolutely gorgeous, with generous tones of earthy tobacco, leather, cured meat, licorice, smoky ash and crushed mineral. In terms of fruit flavors, it offers cassis, dried raspberry and cherry. The wine should age 10 years or more to allow the tannins to become finer and even more elegant.
— M.L.
(5/1/2013)
Corte Pavone 2007 Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)
- Cellar Selection
- $75
This dark Brunello opens with thick concentration and balsam notes of cola, humus and eucalyptus. Despite the thick extraction, the berry aromas are delicate, with lingering wild raspberry and forest fruit. The wine shows a nice juxtaposition between its bold, masculine side and an elegant feminine one. The mouthfeel is bold, plush and powerful.
— M.L.
(5/1/2012)
Lungarotti 1990 Rubesco Monticchio Sangiovese (Torgiano Rosso Riserva)
- $35
At long last, the new edition of this long-aged Umbrian blend of Sangiovese (70%) and Canaiolo Nero (30%) has been released, and it is classic. Delicious, balanced and harmonious; rich and complex, with great power and finish. The texture is silky, the finish long and layered. Just a delectable red wine, surely up to your highest expectations.
— W.E.
(3/1/2000)
Capezzana 1995 Ghiaie della Furba Sangiovese (Toscana)
- $53
Simply a splendid Super Tuscan that offers absolutely everything, and more. At 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30% each of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, you could say Bordeaux has come to Tuscany with fine credentials. Rustic and full, with layers of clear, chewy fruit. Call it a 1% wine, meaning it is better than 99% of everything else.
— M.S.
(11/15/1999)
Talenti 1997 Sangiovese (Brunello di Montalcino)
- Editors' Choice
Riccardo Talenti, grandson of Pierluigi Talenti, the grand old man of Montalcino, currently makes one of the finest Brunellos with the help of consultant Carlo Ferrini. They are now using new wood for aging, and the extra layer of richness this brings is apparent in the comparative accessibility of this wine. Yet it is also huge, with classic tannins and intense…
— R.V.
(8/1/2002)
Fuligni 1999 Sangiovese (Brunello di Montalcino)
- $82
Anyone who loves great Sangiovese should snap up this star-quality wine. Always a personal favorite, the ’99 doesn’t disappoint. It’s lively and electric, with structure equal to the Tuscan fort in which it was tasted. As for flavors, look for overflowing blackberry, cola, mocha and more. A wine that can probably last for 15 years.
— M.S.
(6/1/2004)
Palazzo Rosso 1999 Sangiovese (Brunello di Montalcino)
- $36
The smoky bouquet is sleek and sly, with genuine leather and floral notes. It’s very classy and already into its development. The fruit is pure and dark, and the finish is what some might call “monster,” which is a good thing. A winner with all the right stuff. Hold three to four years before drinking.
— M.S.
(6/1/2004)
Siro Pacenti 1999 Sangiovese (Brunello di Montalcino)
A stunningly complete, cool-as-can-be modern wine with great color, lush plum and berry fruit, and very little of the earth and leather notes that some Brunello-istas may be seeking. However, if you like texture, sublime flavors of chocolate and charcoal, and perfectly integrated oak, this is for you. Consider drinking in 2005 or 2006.
— M.S.
(6/1/2004)
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