Sangiovese is the key red grape variety found in Tuscany and central Italy. It is capable of producing outstanding wines and is the star of numerous premium wine appellations in the region. It is also cultivated across the world in an attempt to emulate its Tuscan success.
Offspring
Sangiovese has been cultivated in central Italy for over 2,000 years, with references dating back to Etruscan times. Its documented history begins in the Middle Ages, though it wasn’t until the 18th and 19th centuries that it was formally studied and cloned. The post-war Chianti boom and bust led to a rethinking of Sangiovese, which culminated in the Super Tuscan movement of the 1970s and 80s. This era challenged DOC regulations, allowing Sangiovese to shine in innovative blends or as a varietal under the more flexible IGT label.
