Sangiovese

Sangiovese – The soul of Tuscany in many facets

Sangiovese is probably the best-known and most important red wine variety in Italy. Its versatility and depth are particularly evident in Tuscany, where it forms the basis for world-famous wines such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Rosso di Montalcino, Morellino di Scansano and Rosso di Montepulciano. However, it also displays different styles in Umbria, the Marche and other regions of Italy.

Sangiovese is characterised by its balanced acidity, present tannins and multi-layered aromas of cherries, red berries, dried herbs, leather and earthy notes. Depending on the ageing process, it ranges from fruity and easy-drinking to complex, powerful and storable.

Sangiovese is considered one of the best all-round accompaniments to food – it goes well with a variety of classic dishes and is perfect for dishes with tomatoes, as its fresh acidity harmonises perfectly with the fruitiness and acidity of the tomato. Whether bruschetta, crostini misti, spaghetti bolognese, pizza or lasagne – Sangiovese always ensures a harmonious pairing.

🔹 Fruity Chianti (young Sangiovese, aged in stainless steel): Fresh, lively, with cherry & spicy notes.
🔹 Classic Chianti Classico, Morellino, Rosso di Montalcino / Montepulciano: Balanced, with structure, cherry, violets & leather.
🔹 Brunello di Montalcino / Riserva wines: Strong, complex, with depth, maturity & earthy flavours.

Thanks to its structure and complexity, Sangiovese is an excellent accompaniment to Italian cuisine, pasta with tomato sauces, game dishes and mature cheeses.

⭢ Which dishes harmonise best with Sangiovese? Here are the ideal food pairings!

🍽️ Sangiovese & food – The best food pairings

1️⃣ Fruity Chianti / young Sangiovese (e.g. Chianti DOCG, stainless steel ageing)

Flavour: Fresh, fruity, with invigorating acidity and light tannins.
Typical flavours: red cherry, rosehip, violet, pepper.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Pasta with tomatoes & Mediterranean herbs → Spaghetti pomodoro, penne all’arrabbiata, pasta with aubergines
✔ Pizza & antipasti → Pizza Margherita, bruschetta, crostini misti, caponata
✔ Light meat dishes & poultry → Chicken with rosemary, Saltimbocca alla Romana

⭢ Recommended recipes:
– Spaghetti Pomodoro with basil
– Margherita pizza from the stone oven
– Crostini Misti with tomato, mushrooms and liver pâté

2️⃣ Classic Sangiovese (e.g. Chianti Classico, Morellino di Scansano, Rosso di Montalcino, Rosso di Montepulciano)

Flavour: Balanced, medium-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a mineral finish.
Typical flavours: sour cherry, violets, dried herbs, leather, undergrowth.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Rustic Italian dishes → Lasagne, ossobuco, polenta with mushroom ragout
✔ Grilled meat & game birds → Lamb chops, guinea fowl, beef rump
✔ Strong cheese & cold meats → Pecorino, fennel salami, air-dried ham

⭢ Recommended recipes:

– Lasagne with beef ragout
– Lamb chops with rosemary crust

3️⃣ Matured Sangiovese (e.g. Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Riserva, Supertuscans)

Flavour: Full-bodied, structured, with ripe fruit, complex spice and a long finish.
Typical aromas: black cherry, tobacco, truffle, mocha, liquorice, balsamic notes.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Noble game dishes & braised dishes → Venison ragout, leg of venison, ossobuco alla Milanese
Mature cheeses & truffle dishes → Parmesan, truffle risotto, taleggio
✔ Mediterranean lamb & beef dishes → Brasato al Barolo, fillet of beef with porcini mushrooms

⭢ Recommended recipes:

– Leg of venison with red wine shallot jus
– Truffle risotto with parmesan & butter

🔍 Sangiovese & food pairing at a glance

Sangiovese-Stil	Best food pairings
Fruity Chianti	Pasta, Pizza, Starters, Hähnchen
Classic Sangiovese	Lasagne, lamb, Italian home cooking
Matured Sangiovese	Game dishes, truffles, mature cheese

📌 Tip: If you’re unsure, choose a Chianti Classico – it’s versatile, accessible and goes well with almost all Italian dishes!

🚀 Conclusion: Why Sangiovese goes perfectly with Italian cuisine

Sangiovese is one of the great red wine varieties in Europe. Whether as a light Chianti, multi-layered Rosso, powerful Brunello or accessible Morellino – this grape variety brings Italian joie de vivre into the glass and onto the plate! 🇮🇹🍷

⭢ Which combination did you like best? Discover all the recipes here! 😊🚀