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1 lesson · 12 questions · ~8 min · live

Lesson

Tuscany: Sangiovese Country

Objective: Anchor Tuscany's key reds to Sangiovese and know their styles. Sangiovese is Tuscany's signature grape, giving high-acid, high-tannin reds with sour cherry, dried herb, and earthy savory notes. Chianti, in the hills around Florence and Siena, is Sangiovese-based and bright; the top subzone, Chianti Classico, wears a black rooster (Gallo Nero) seal. Brunello di Montalcino is made from 100% Sangiovese (locally called Brunello) and is a powerful, age-worthy DOCG requiring long aging before release. The Super Tuscans emerged in the 1970s when producers blended Sangiovese with international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, or bottled those varieties alone, in the Bolgheri area near the coast. Because they broke the old rules, many were first sold as humble table wine despite high quality and price. Remember: Tuscany equals Sangiovese, and Brunello is pure Sangiovese.