Terre di Chioti - Sangiovese @ (1 corks)

Retails: $5.99 (Total Wine)

You can't get more Italian than a Sangiovese. It is the most common grape varietal planted in Italy, accounting for 10% of all vineyard production. This grape gets its name from the Latin phrase sanguis jovis or "Blood of Jove." It is often mixed with other grape varietals to create such famous Italian wines as Chianti. The grape, itself, is said to be native to the Tuscan region.

Sangiovese is kind of a picky varietal. It is late to ripen but rots easily in damp climates. It also does not grow well in altitudes exceeding 1500 feet. Regions like Tuscany with hot, dry climate, seem to be the perfect place for this varietal. It's a difficult grape to get just right. It presents a challenge for wine makers due to its high acidity and low body. Winemakers have tried many techniques to add more complexity to its flavor. This is probably why it is most often found combined with other grapes.

This is also probably why it is difficult to find a truly good Sangiovese wine. This one doesn't hold a candle to other Sangiovese wines I've tried. It is extremely bland. No flavor except for a bit of dryness in the finish. Blah.

Final Words: No bueno.