This year’s tasting dedicated exclusively to Sangiovese uncovered a kaleidesope of fabulous expressions from across the globe. Sangiovese is quintessentially Italian, with the variety respected throughout the country. It is most prominent in Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Umbria and the Marche, and the majority of the wines we judged in our 2023 Sangiovese Masters came from these regions stretching across central Italy. Sangiovese’s best-known vineyards are those of Tuscany, as well as in Chianti, Brunello, Montepulciano and Maremma. Here Sangiovese reaches some of its greatest expressions, but the quality is variable and depends on clonal selection, vineyard location and yields. At higher altitudes, or cooler vineyard sites, it is crucial to allow extra ripeness and to harvest later. One of the most interesting aspects of Sangiovese is that high quality can be found at affordable price points, and Emilia-Romagna might just be the place to look. The judges found value-formoney with fresh and clean Sangiovese at under £10 from Fuori Porta, for example, and experienced plenty to enjoy at £10-15 and £15-20 from many regions. Over £20, the wines are often delicious. And, at stratospheric prices (over £30), the Tuscan wines, in particular, are complex and enticing, exhibiting red berry and bramble fruits together with beautifully integrated wood, often new and used oak, but occasionally large, traditional acacia barrels. After a few years’ bottle ageing these examples are delightful. And, with their brisk acidity and grippy tannins, the wines will evolve for a couple of decades, at least, and will accompany the best
This Article was originally published on The Drink Business - Wine
