WINES OF LE MARCHE: SANGIOVESE
The Sangiovese grape
Probably one of the most known vines of Italy, the Sangiovese grapes are used for many wines (Chianti, Supertuscans, Brunello di Montalcino, Morellino di Scansano et etc…). It’s name seems to translate into “the blood of Jove (Jupiter)” and was a well known wine variety since XVII century.
The characteristics of Sangiovese
The grape itself is medium size and its bunch tend to be quite clustered. Usually Sangiovese’s grapes matures around the second half of September.
One of the characteristics of this grape is its thin skin that makes it susceptible to rot.
Sangiovese is generally prized for its acid structure, firm tannins, savory characters. In its youth the wines tend to present an intense ruby color and is quite fruity (aromas of dark cherries).
Sangiovese based wines in Le Marche
In le Marche Sangiovese is used mostly as a blend with Montepulciano grapes to create wines like and Rosso Piceno DOC e Colli Pesaresi DOC, Esino Rosso DOC and Rosso Conero DOC .
- Colli Pesaresi DOC it’s a blend of 70% Sangiovese located in the north of Marche. It’s a wine that presents a ruby red color, high acidity and well structured. On the nose and palate mostly red fruits and must aromas.
- Rosso Piceno DOC it’s a blend 15~50% Sangiovese and 35~50% Montepulciano. It’s a wine that presents a ruby red color with purple reflection. On the nose has floral and red fruits notes. They are the best when have at least 1 year of bottle maturation and starts developing licorice and cacao aromas.
- Esino Rosso DOC it’s a blend that can be either Sangiovese or Montepulciano combined or alone up to 60%. When is Sangiovese grape the main variety it presents high acidity and good structure. On the nose and the palate mostly red fruits.
- Rosso Conero DOC it’s a blend where Sangiovese is used up to 15% and mostly to provide acidity and structure to Montepulciano’s grapes. It is a powerful and full-bodied red, with intense aromas and flavors of black cherries and Mediterranean herbs. We will talk more about this wine in the future!.
Source of information:
Personal wine tasting experience! 🙂
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