Sangiovese!

Probably the most under the radar recognized Italian grapes. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and many other famous wines are composed of primarily Sangiovese or its relatives; Sangiovese Grosso and Sangiovese piccolo. There are so many different clones and variations of Sangiovese that it is hard to nail down a certain clone or area and say this is the real Sangiovese. It has many names depending on where you are in Italy; like most grapes in Italy. For example; Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is called Prugnolo; Morellino di Scansano is called Morellino. It is planted pretty much all over Italy and done with varying degrees of success. It has a natural high acidity and tannin which is not always the case with red grapes. This allows for Sangiovese to produce light fruity wines and also big, dark, tannic wines depending on where and how it was cultivated. They seem to age well overall and love the company of oak ageing. Overall this is a very versatile and important grape that has many different faces; chances are you will find a variation that is pleasant to you. I have listed a few wines below that are available at the West Vail Liquor Mart.

Montalcino
Just south of Chianti is Montalcino. One of Italy’s most famous wines, Brunello di Montalcino is produced in this region. Brunello is a DOCG region. DOCG mean Donomintation of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin. It is basically the governing body of Italian wine guaranteeing that a particular wine meets the standards that the particular region requires. Brunello is required to be 100% Sangiovese according to the DOCG requirements. They are using Sangiovese Grosso to make Brunello and the lighter declassified “Rosso di Montalcino.”

Banfi Rosso Di Montalcino (24.99)
Chianti Classico
In the hills south of Florence is Chianti and its sub zones, one of which being Chianti Classico. This is a DOCG region that requires the blend to be at least 85% Sangiovese. Chianti kind of developed a bad reputation over the years as being a very budget table wine. During the 1980’s through a series of wine consultants, really changed the idea of Chianti; especially Chianti Classico. The wines have gone from thin, astringent table wines to denser, darker more ageworthy wines. The wines are still very elegant and graceful.

Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico (16.99)
Molise
Molise is a wine growing region in the eastern center part of Italy, close to the region of Abbruzzo. It was not effectively its own region until 1970 making it Italy’s newest wine growing DOC. They grow Greco, Fiano, Falangina as well as Aglianico and Sangiovese. Relatively unexplored for wine making this region has a lot of potential.

DiMajo Norante Sangiovese (12.99)
Enjoy,

Nick, Wine Buyer