Sangiovese Red Wines
If Italy had a national red grape - officially, not just sentimentally - it would be Sangiovese. From the rolling Tuscan hills to experimental plantings in Australia's warmer regions, this is a variety that rewards producers who respect its bright acidity and savoury complexity. We have gathered a focused selection of Sangiovese wines that showcase exactly why.
What Gives Sangiovese Red Wine Its Character
Where Primitivo gives you warmth and Nebbiolo gives you power, Sangiovese gives you energy. The hallmarks of a well-made Sangiovese red wine are bright sour-cherry fruit, dried herb aromatics, firm but fine tannins, and an acidity that keeps everything lively on the palate. The Ke Bonta Sangiovese 2024 is a brilliant everyday expression - fresh, fruit-forward, and immediately satisfying.
At the more serious end, the Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico 2022 shows what Sangiovese can achieve in one of Tuscany's most prestigious zones. Here the grape gains layers of complexity - dried cherry, leather, tobacco - while retaining that characteristic bright acidity that makes Chianti Classico one of the world's great food wines.
Sangiovese Red Wines at the Dinner Table
Sangiovese was born to be drunk with food. Its high acidity and moderate body make it one of the most naturally versatile Sangiovese wines at the table:
- Classic Tuscan ribollita or pappa al pomodoro - the tomato acidity in the dish echoes the wine's own brightness
- Margherita pizza or any tomato-based pasta - this is the quintessential Italian pairing for good reason
- Grilled lamb chops with rosemary - herbal notes in both the wine and the dish create a natural harmony
- Hard Italian cheeses like Pecorino Toscano - the salty, nutty character amplifies the wine's savoury depth
Sangiovese Red Wine Beyond Tuscany
While Tuscany remains the spiritual home of Sangiovese red wine, the grape has found compelling new voices elsewhere. We carry Australian Sangiovese from producers like Payten & Jones and Hedonist, where warmer conditions create riper, more generous fruit while retaining the grape's trademark acidity and structure.
If you love Sangiovese's food-friendliness, explore our Italian red wines collection for more from the country that shaped this grape, or browse our Australian red wines for Southern Hemisphere takes on Italian varieties. We have tasted every bottle - your next favourite is waiting.
