Chapter 23 Sangiovese and Montepulciano

Question 1

What are the main characteristics of Sangiovese and Montepulciano?

Answer 1

Sangiovese
Produces dry wines with high tannins, high acidity and flavours of red fruit and dried herbs. Widely planted but most famous for Chianti in central Tuscany. Chianti DOCG produces wines of varying quality. Chianti Classico DOCG sits at a higher altitude and the grapes enjoy a longer ripening season, typically with pronounced red fruit aromas and dried herb notes. Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG is subject to stricter ageing requirements. Brunello Di Montalcino DOCG is a powerful full bodied wine from the warm sunny town of Monatalcino in southern Tuscany. Brunello is the local name for Sangiovese.

Montepulciano
Produces deeply coloured wines with medium acidity, high tannins and black fruit flavours. Best known for producing Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC…..produces high volumes of inexpensive wine…simple and fruity.