Sangiovese
Red grape · Italy’s savoury red, the grape of Chianti.
Unofficial study resource · not affiliated with or endorsed by WSET®In short
Medium to full body with high acidity and high tannin, showing sour red cherry, herbs, and a savoury, tomato-leaf note.
Where it grows
Tuscany, in Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino, and across central Italy.
Food pairing
Tomato-based pasta, pizza, and cured meats.
Why it matters for WSET
The high-acid, high-tannin grape behind Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Its acidity makes it very food-friendly.
Practise your grape knowledge
Grape varieties are core WSET material. Try free practice questions with explanations, then get the full bank and a wrong-answer notebook in the Eclavin app.
Download Eclavin on the App StoreFrequently asked questions
What wine is made from Sangiovese?
Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino are the most famous, both from Tuscany.
Why does Sangiovese go so well with food?
Its high acidity cuts through tomato and rich Italian dishes, keeping each bite fresh.