How is Sangiovese wine made?
Sangiovese is a red grape fermented and aged to the rules of each appellation. Chianti needs at least 70 percent Sangiovese and is mostly drunk young, Chianti Classico at least 80 percent, and Brunello di Montalcino is 100 percent Brunello and aged at least four years, two of them in oak.
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How is Sangiovese wine made?
Like other red wines, Sangiovese is made by fermenting the crushed grapes with their skins, which gives color and tannin, then aging the wine before release. The big differences come from the appellation rules, which set the grape share and minimum aging. Typical Sangiovese is tart red fruit (sour cherry), savory herbs, high acidity and body from medium to full.
Main Sangiovese wines and their rules
| Wine | Grape rule | Aging and style |
|---|---|---|
| Chianti DOCG | At least 70% Sangiovese | Styles run from medium-bodied and fresh to dense and oak-aged; some suitable for drinking young |
| Chianti Classico DOCG | At least 80% Sangiovese | More consistent, more aging potential |
| Brunello di Montalcino DOCG | 100% Brunello (a Sangiovese clone) | 4 years (5 for riserva), with 2 in oak for both; full-bodied, tannic, extremely long-lived |
| Rosso di Montalcino DOC | Same area | One year of aging, with six months in oak; younger |
| Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG | At least 70% Prugnolo Gentile | At least 2 years (3 for riserva) |
| Carmignano DOCG | At least 50% Sangiovese, with 10 to 20% Cabernet | Darker fruit and more structure |
| Morellino di Scansano DOCG | Sangiovese, warm Maremma climate | Plush and juicy; riserva aged at least 2 years before release |
What does the oak do?
VinePair says Brunello aged in new French oak can be rich, toasty and concentrated, while large old oak gives more emphasis on earth and non-fruit flavors. Vino Nobile traditionally uses large old barrels.
How to read a label
- Riserva means longer aging than the base wine.
- Chianti Classico is described as more consistent in quality, with more potential to age than the average Chianti.
- Rules change over time; if you need exact current minimums, check the consortium or the label.
Common mistake
Assuming all Chianti ages the same. Some are suitable for drinking young, while Brunello is described as extremely long-lived.
People also ask
How much Sangiovese must be in Chianti?
At least 70 percent for Chianti DOCG and at least 80 percent for Chianti Classico.
How long is Brunello aged?
At least four years (five for riserva), including two in oak.
Is Rosso di Montalcino the same as Brunello?
No. It comes from the same area but is aged only one year, with six months in oak, so it is younger.
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