Sangiovese

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Sangiovese (synonyms: Sangiovese grosso, Brunello, Uva brunella, Morellino, Prugnolo, Prugnolo gentile, Sangioveto, Tignolo and Uva Canina) is a red wine grape variety originating in Italy where it is now recognised as a superior variety. Although it can be found as a varietal, and as a single-variety wine such as Brunello di Montalcino or Sangiovese di Romagna, it often forms part of a blend. The traditional home of Sangiovese is in Tuscany, and it is the major component in blends such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Morellino di Scansano. The grape is also used to make some modern "Super Tuscan" wines like Tignanello. It is a slow-ripening grape.

Brunello was a superior clone of Sangiovese known as sangiovese grosso. Nowadays practically all Sangiovese in Tuscany is a similar clone of Brunello or the same clone at all. Sangiovese is being planted in vineyards worldwide as part of growing fashion for Italian style wines, but some believe it has not produced wines anywhere near the quality of a great Brunello.

The name derives from sanguis Jovis, "the blood of Jove".

Sangiovese is becoming increasingly popular as a red wine grape in Australia. This is part of a growing trend in Australia to use a wider range of grape varieties for winemaking. Some wineries also use Sangiovese to make rosé wines.

[edit] See also

• Italian wine
• Chianti
• Australian wine
• Globalization of wine

[edit] External links

• Characteristics of the Sangiovese vine