Sangiovese
Sangiovese is Italy's most widely planted grape, found in several regions including Umbria, Abruzzo and Marche, but its spiritual home is Tuscany. Several famous wines made from Sangiovese are produced in Tuscany, including Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino.
A wine made from Sangiovese has appealing red cherry fruit, tart acidity and medium-weight tannins. There are few red wines more pleasant that a young Chianti with its delicious cherry fruit and earthy finish. While s simple Sangiovese-based wine is made for enjoyment from two to five years of age, a wine such as Brunello di Montalcino, 100% Sangiovese, is at the other end of the extreme, as it is a wine that often ages for two decades or more.
Sangiovese is also grown with some success in California as well as Australia. Pair wines made from Sangiovese with lighter red meats, duck, poultry and pastas with marinara or Bolognese sauce.