Sangiovese is believed to have originated in Tuscany in the 16th Century where the grape varietal has thrived for centuries since. In recent times Sangiovese has been planted in New World countries such as Australia and in California in the United States. As a grape Sangiovese thrives in warmer climates and really needs its growth and vigour to be monitored. Sangiovese vines often are replanted after 25 years as vineyards have to treat them so badly to grow quality fruit this is in comparison with Shiraz vines in Australia which can be over 100 years old.

Sangiovese grapes are a blue black colour which are slow to ripen and often quite prone to rot. It is a grape that is quite easy to grow in large quantities, as a result to focus on higher quality fruit rather then quantity can be time consuming and costly. Such additional costs in the vineyard can translate into a higher cost per bottle at your local off licence. Brunello di Montalcino are generally the most expensive of the Sangiovese based wines with Rosso di Montalcino offering a lot of the Brunello qualities at a reduced price point. With regards to Chianti typically the Riservas are the most expensive followed by the Classicos and then the regular Chiantis.

Young Sangiovese wines have flavour characteristics of strawberry, plums, violets and spice with medium levels of acidity. Quite often wines made from Sangiovese such as Chianti, Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva will be a blend with other grape varietals such as Colorino, Canaiolo and more recently international grape varietals Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are being used.

Italian Chianti has come a really long way from the low quality high quantity jug wines from years gone by. Vineyard Owners have realised that by reducing the tonnage per hectare they could increase the quality and demand for their wines.

I really enjoy wines made from Sangiovese regular entry level Chianti as they can be lighter fruitier wines. Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico Riservas can produce bigger richer styled wines with greater concentration levels and oak aging characteristics. The wines are always food friendly, Italian pasta dishes are the obvious choice with the bigger richer wines Riservas capable of handling heavier meatier dishes.

If you would like to learn more about Sangiovese, and this style of wine the following are some good locally available options to try ;

Made from 100% Sangiovese Grosse which is a thicker skinned grape then regular Sangiovese. This gives this wine an extra dimension. Fruit is sourced from the small hilly area of Montalcino. Solid ruby red coloured wine, with cherries, red fruits, and floral notes on the nose. This wine was very inviting on the nose.

On the palate, the fruit is rich and really well balanced. The red fruits come through in spades on the palate which has the extra richness to make it appear a little more new worldish. I loved this wine, and at this price you are practically stealing it. Hit the pavements, wine searcher, find this wine and buy a case. Trust me your next dinner party, house party this wine would be a fantastic change of pace. Pasta with tomato sauces, anti - pasta dishes, most Italian dishes would be great with this.

Robertfranciswine: 90 Points, Available from: The Vineyard, Price Bracket: €11.95

Made from 90% Sangiovese and a 10% blend of other grapes predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon. A solid ruby black/red coloured wine with cherries, black fruits, cranberries, cloves and spice. This wine is ripe but not overly so. The wine has good balance and mouthfeel. The fruit is broad and creamy from the fermentation process. With a solid finish and some firm but yielding tannins really makes this a very interesting wine.

2003 was a very hot vintage across Europe and previous vintages of this wine that I have tasted have had increased elegance and less of the raisiny fruit characteristic that exists with the 03. However this is still a very good wine from a fantastic producer. This wine would be fantastic with roasted white meat dishes and most Italian tomato based dishes.

Robertfranciswine: 88 Points, Available from: Harvest Off Licences, Price Bracket: €24