Sangiovese: The Grape Behind Chianti, Brunello, and Italy's Greatest Reds

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Sangiovese is Italy’s most planted red grape, and that single fact undersells it. This is the grape behind Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and a dozen other wines you’ve probably encountered without realising they all come from the same variety. The name translates as “blood of Jove” – Jupiter’s grape – and it has been central to Tuscan winemaking for centuries.

What makes Sangiovese remarkable is its range. A $10 Chianti and a $200 Brunello Riserva are both Sangiovese, yet they barely resemble each other. Understanding the grape means understanding why those differences exist – and how to navigate them without wasting money.

Sangiovese on Sommo — AI Wine Scanner, WSET Prep & Wine Journal App

Sangiovese: The Grape Behind Chianti, Brunello, and Italy's Greatest Reds