As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of studying and working with various grape varieties. One topic that often comes up is the confusion between Sangiovese and Montepulciano. While many people believed them to be the same grape for a long time, they are actually two distinct varieties with their own unique characteristics.
One of the easiest ways to differentiate Sangiovese and Montepulciano is by observing their appearance in the glass. When young, Sangiovese tends to have a much lighter ruby color, whereas Montepulciano is noticeably darker. This difference in color can be attributed to the varying levels of anthocyanins, which are responsible for the pigmentation in red grapes.
Another distinguishing factor between Sangiovese and Montepulciano lies in their flavor profiles. Sangiovese often exhibits flavors of sour cherry, red plum, and herbs, with a medium to high level of acidity. On the other hand, Montepulciano tends to showcase darker fruit flavors such as blackberry, black cherry, and black plum, with a slightly lower acidity. These flavor differences can be attributed to variations in the grape's chemical composition, including the levels of sugars, acids, and tannins.
In terms of growing regions, Sangiovese is most commonly associated with Tuscany, Italy, where it is the dominant grape in renowned wines such as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. It is also grown in regions such as Umbria and Emilia-Romagna. Montepulciano, on the other hand, hails from the Abruzzo region of Italy, where it is the primary grape in Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wines. It is also cultivated in other regions, including Marche and Molise.
Having personally tasted and studied wines made from both Sangiovese and Montepulciano, I can attest to their distinctiveness. Sangiovese wines often have an elegant and refined character, with a balance of fruitiness and acidity. On the other hand, Montepulciano wines tend to be richer and more full-bodied, with a darker and more intense flavor profile.
While Sangiovese and Montepulciano may have been mistakenly thought to be the same grape in the past, they are indeed two separate varieties with their own unique characteristics. From their differing appearance in the glass to their distinct flavor profiles and growing regions, Sangiovese and Montepulciano offer wine enthusiasts a range of experiences and expressions.