Sangiovese

Sangiovese is a celebrated Italian grape variety that has recently begun to establish itself within the UK wine landscape. Known for producing some of Italy's most iconic wines, Sangiovese is now being cultivated by a small but growing number of British vineyards that recognize its potential in cooler climates. At ukwineries.co.uk, one vineyard in the West is currently growing Sangiovese commercially, with one of those properties also welcoming visitors to taste their English Sangiovese wines firsthand.

Sangiovese translates roughly as "blood of Jove," a name that reflects both the grape's deep colour and its storied place in Italian winemaking heritage. The variety is prized for its bright acidity, moderate to high tannin levels and distinctive flavours of cherry, plum and sometimes earthy undertones. In the UK context, Sangiovese adapts remarkably well to the country's cooler growing conditions, particularly in more sheltered western regions where ripening periods benefit from warmer microclimates.

Growing Sangiovese in England and Wales presents distinct challenges compared to warmer regions of Italy. British vineyards cultivating this variety must carefully manage canopy foliage to ensure adequate sunlight exposure while also protecting the grapes from excessive late-season rainfall. The grape's natural vigour and late budding habits work in the favour of UK growers, reducing the risk of spring frost damage which remains a persistent concern across much of the British Isles.

The wines produced from Sangiovese in the UK tend to be medium-bodied reds with lively acidity, offering red fruit characters and a food-friendly profile that appeals to wine lovers seeking something different from traditional English varieties. As the UK wine industry continues to diversify its plantings beyond the classic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Sangiovese represents an exciting frontier for British viticulture. Discover vineyards growing Sangiovese and explore English Sangiovese wine through the directory at ukwineries.co.uk.