AUSTRALIAN SANGIOVESE
Sangiovese is one of Australia's original 'alternative varietals' and was first planted in Australia in the early 1970s. Penfold’s first trialled it in the Barossa, as did Montrose in Mudgee.
However, Mark Lloyd at Coriole in McLaren Vale is known for kick-starting interest in the variety. He planted vines in 1985 after looking to plant something ‘not French.
Sangiovese is a delicious, food-friendly wine that grows well in many Australian wine regions. We are seeing exciting examples produced across regions such as Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, as well as Victoria’s King Valley, Beechworth and Heathcote.
Best Sangiovese Australia
Just like in Italy, Sangiovese is the most widely grown red wine Italian varietal in Australia. It has been a popular grape in both cool and warm climate regions. 'Sangiovese can be found in cool-climate regions such as Victoria's alpine regions, where the wines exhibit denser and tighter layers of plum, cherry, bramble, cinnamon and mocha. The warmer climates like McLaren Vale produce riper constructions of strawberries, cherries and plums with tarry, spicy notes. Sangiovese has good ageing potential that will reward those willing to wait.
Learn more about Australian Sangiovese
WHAT REGION IN AUSTRALIA MAKES THE BEST SANGIOVESE?
When it comes to Sangiovese, there are a few regions that really shine.
So, whether you're sipping your way through the rolling hills of McLaren Vale or exploring the picturesque vineyards of King Valley, you'll find some outstanding Sangiovese wines.
MCLAREN VALE SANGIOVESE
McLaren Vale’s exceptional climate and wealth of soil types are suited to growing Sangiovese vines and this region is deservedly famous for its Sangiovese wines.
KING VALLEY SANGIOVESE
King Valley is blessed with a continental-style climate that ranges from the cold of its upper slopes to the slightly warmer floors of the Valley. While King Valley excels at a multiplicity of varieties and styles, there’s no mistaking the Italian influence that the region is so rightly famous for. King Valley Sangiovese thrives in the region, producing elegant and savoury red wines with dark cherry flavours and earthy characters, fine tannin structure and refresh
MURRAY DARLING SANGIOVESE
Located in north-western Victoria and south-western New South Wales, the Murray Darling wine region experiences hot summers and mild winters and is suited to growing Mediterranean grape varieties such as Sangiovese. The wines often show red cherries and berries, plus baking spices.
WHAT IS SANGIOVESE WINE?
Sangiovese is a red wine variety, originating from Italy's Chianti wine region in Tuscany. It is prized for its high acid, firm tannins, and balance. Its characteristics include dark cherries and blackberries, which may be backed by secondary notes of tomato leaf and dried herbs. Its weight is similar to that of Barbera and Merlot.
IS SANGIOVSE DRY OR SWEET?
Generally, Sangiovese wines are made in a dry style with natural high acidity and firm tannins. When it comes to flavour characters you can expect to enjoy red fruits including red currant and raspberry, herbs, pot pourri and even roasted tomato.
ARE CHIANTI AND SANGIOVESE THE SAME?
Chianti and Sangiovese are not the same. Sangiovese is best known as the main grape in Tuscany’s Chianti wines. To be called Chianti, a wine must be a blend of 70% or more Sangiovese grapes.
IS SANGIOVESE SIMILAR TO SHIRAZ?
Sangiovese’s balance of brightness and savoury complexity is very different to bolder red wines such as Shiraz. Generally, Shiraz is much fuller-bodied than Sangiovese, with dark fruits like blackberry and plum, spice characters of black pepper, and earthy and leather characters.
IS SANGIOVESE SIMILAR TO PINOT NOIR?
Sangiovese is similar to Pinot Noir in that they are both medium-bodied wines with high acidity. However, Sangiovese has much firmer tannins and delivers herbaceous characters.
DOES SANGIOVESE AGE WELL?
Thanks to its natural acidity and firm tannins, Sangiovese ages well and can be cellared for 10-plus years.
HOW TO SERVE SANGIOVESE WINE?
During hot Australian summers, Sangiovese can be lightly chilled to mellow the tannins and bring out the fruit and floral notes.
Sangiovese comes into its own when matched with food – especially dishes inspired by its Mediterranean origins, so what food does Sangiovese pair with? Tangy acidity means that it pairs well with pizza, pasta, and tomato-based dishes, and the savoury nature means it’s ideal with barbequed, grilled and roasted meats.
HOW TO BUY SANGIOVESE FROM WINE SELECTORS?
Want the best Australian Sangiovese delivered to your doorstep? With Wine Selectors, you can explore Australia’s top Sangiovese from the comfort of your home. Order a mixed Sangiovese case at 20% off RRP, or sign up for a Customised Sangiovese subscription to enjoy styles handpicked just for you.