As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to explore and appreciate the nuances of various wines, including those made from Sangiovese grapes. When it comes to Chianti, Montepulciano, and Sangiovese, there are indeed some differences to consider.
Firstly, let's talk about Chianti. Chianti is a red wine that hails from the Chianti region in Tuscany, Italy. It is predominantly made from Sangiovese grapes, but regulations allow for up to 20% of other grapes such as Canaiolo and Colorino to be blended in. This flexibility in blending gives winemakers the chance to add complexity and balance to the final product.
Chianti is known for its medium body, high acidity, and flavors of tart cherries, red berries, and herbal notes. It can range from simple and easy-drinking to more complex and age-worthy. Chianti Classico, a sub-region within Chianti, is often considered the premium area producing the highest quality wines. Chianti pairs well with a variety of Italian dishes, from pasta and pizza to roasted meats and aged cheeses.
On the other hand, Montepulciano is both a grape variety and the name of a region in central Italy. Montepulciano wines are made predominantly from the Montepulciano grape, which is different from Sangiovese. While both grapes are native to Italy, they exhibit distinct characteristics. Montepulciano wines are generally fuller-bodied and have softer tannins compared to Sangiovese-based wines like Chianti.
Montepulciano wines are known for their ripe dark fruit flavors, such as blackberry and plum, along with hints of spice and earthiness. They typically have a smoother and more approachable profile, making them appealing to a wide range of wine drinkers. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is one of the most well-known and widely produced styles of Montepulciano wines.
However, it's important to note that Montepulciano can also refer to Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a wine produced in the town of Montepulciano using Sangiovese grapes. This can sometimes cause confusion, as the wine is not actually made from the Montepulciano grape itself.
The main difference between Chianti and Montepulciano wines lies in their grape composition and the resulting flavor profiles. Chianti is predominantly made from Sangiovese grapes and can have up to 20% of other grape varieties blended in, while Montepulciano wines are predominantly made from either the Montepulciano grape or Sangiovese in the case of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Chianti tends to have higher acidity and tart red fruit flavors, while Montepulciano wines are fuller-bodied with softer tannins and ripe dark fruit characteristics. Exploring and comparing these wines side by side can be a delightful and educational experience for any wine enthusiast.