Sangiovese

Sangiovese is Italy's most planted red grape variety, particularly common in central Italy. In 1990 almost 10% of all Italian vineyards were planted with some form of this grape. In its various variations and names (Brunello, Prugnolo Gentile, Morellino), it is the principal vine variety for the fine Tuscan wines. It is also the sole grape variety permitted for Brunello di Montalcino and the base for the blends for Chianti, Vino Nobile de Montepulciano and the vast majority of the "super-Tuscans" (such as Sassicaia and Ornellaia). In addition, it is the main red grape for all of central Italy, widely planted in Umbria (where it gives its best results in the DOCG wines Torgiano and Montefalco), in the Marches (where it is the base of the Rosso Piceno, and an important component of the Rosso Conero), and in Latium.