Why Sangiovese Should Be Your New Wine BFF
Sangiovese: Tuscany's sassy rebel grape, defying rules and rocking palates with bold cherry, spice, and earth. Pair it with pasta, steak, and forget seafood! Your new Italian BFF, ready to party or age like vintage balsamic. Ask your wine guru for cellar secrets.
Forget your Merlot Mondays and Cabernet cravings. There's a new red in town, and it's got sass, tannins, and a story that reads like a Medici family opera. We're talking about Sangiovese, the grape that's been rocking Tuscany since the 1700s (way before your nonno was sipping his first espresso).
Think of Sangiovese as the rebel of the Italian wine world. Back in the day, it was all about blending this temperamental grape with Canaiolo, like making friends with the chill kid to calm your inner drama queen. But then, Bettino Ricasoli (a name cooler than a gelato stand in July) entered the scene and declared, “Sangiovese can go solo, baby!” And solo it did, becoming the heart and soul of Chianti.
But Sangiovese wasn't satisfied with just one region. It craved adventure, like a Vespa on the Amalfi Coast. So, it hopped into those “Super Tuscan” bottles, defying rules and regulations with a splash of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. Talk about a rule-breaking rebel with a cause! These rule-breakers, like Sassicaia and Tignanello, became the rockstars of the wine world, changing the game and making Tuscany the envy of every other grape-growing region.
Now, Sangiovese isn't your average Joe. It's a thin-skinned late bloomer, the kind of grape that throws tantrums if it gets a sniff of frost. But that delicate nature is what gives it its magic – a dance of cherry and plum, with a spicy kick and a touch of earthiness. And the best part? You don't have to wait years to enjoy it. Most are ready to party right out of the bottle, although the fancy ones can age like a bottle of vintage balsamic.
Pairing Sangiovese is like picking out a playlist for your next dinner party. It loves the company of high-acid, protein-rich foods, so think tomato-drenched pasta, cheesy goodness, or a juicy steak. It's the life of the party at an Italian feast, but don't expect it to mingle with delicate seafood or creamy sauces. It's the Godfather of red wines, after all, and it likes its company bold and flavorful.
So next time you're at the wine shop, skip the usual suspects and give Sangiovese a whirl. This Tuscan trailblazer might just become your new BFF, the kind that tells you your outfit looks amazing even if it doesn't, and always shares the last bite of tiramisu. Chin chin to that!
P.S. Want to know how long to cellar your Sangiovese before popping the cork? Don't be shy, chat with the wine store staff. They're the sommeliers to your Sangiovese secrets. ;)
