Known as the grape varietal at the heart of Italy, Sangiovese is Italy’s most widely planted red wine grape. A dominant element of many classic Italian wines, especially Chianti, this grape varietal holds a special place in the hearts of Italian winemakers. As a clear protagonist on the world’s wine stage, our team at Small Winemakers Collection believes that every wine enthusiast should make dedicate time to research and expose themselves to this beloved noble wine.  So, without further ado, let’s get started.  Sangiovese: Exploring this Italian Grape Variety While more subtle than that of Pinot Noir or Cabernet, the Sangiovese grape does not fail to leave a lasting impression. Indigenous to Italy, this grape has an innate ability to adapt and thrive in any environment. Due to its versatility, it is known as being one of the most diverse grapes used in winemaking.  While this grape varietal is planted all over the world, Tuscany is by far the most notable Italian wine region to produce Sangiovese wines. It is believed that the origins of this grape date back to Roman times where it was first cultivated by Etruscans. While other theories suggest that its name derives from Sanguis Jovis meaning the Blood of Jupiter.  Although its origins aren’t exactly known, what is clear to see is the lasting impact that this grape variety has had on Italian winemaking. Commonly used as a blended wine, Sangiovese is typically used in the production of Super Tuscans such as Chianti or Brunello di Montalcino.  What Are the Characteristics and Profile of This Wine? While these grapes are versatile and can adapt easily to their environment, Sangiovese grapes have clear characteristics regardless of the region they are grown in. These grapes are known for being light in colour, having thin skin, featuring fine tannins, and thriving in long growing seasons. It also has the ability to give a beautiful acidic structure when blended with other grapes.  In terms of aromatic and flavour profile, wines made with the Sangiovese grape tend to be medium to full-bodied, dry, and highly acidic. They offer classic flavours of red berries such as red cherry, raspberry, plum, and strawberry. However, it also is praised for its more complex savoury flavours and aromas including:  Leather Tomato Smoke Clay Tobacco If your personal preference is for a wine that has a wide depth of flavour and offers sharp acidic qualities, choosing a Sangiovese wine, whether blended or not, could be a great option for you. In our opinion, there is a space for this intensely aromatic and flavourful grape variety in all wine cellars and collections.  Sangiovese Food Pairings: The Best Dishes to Complement This Tuscan Delight When it comes to Sangiovese food pairings, the bolder the better. This Tuscan grape has a big personality with strong flavours and textures. For this reason, it is best to pair with similar dishes so that one element won’t overpower the other.  Consider pairing an Armilla Rosso di Montalcino 2018 with a bold …

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As a white grape varietal, Riesling is well-known by professionals and consumers in the food and wine industry. While still a fan favourite amongst sommeliers, its limited retail presence has caused this wine to slip under the radar of some. However, the question many ask about Riesling is: Does it age well?  Riesling can in fact be enjoyed both young or aged, depending on the style and structure of the wine. However, there are many considerations that must be kept in mind when choosing to age this wine. Below, we look at the characteristics of the Riesling grape and provide recommendations on how to store Riesling correctly during the ageing process.  What Are the Main Characteristics of Riesling? Riesling is an aromatic grape varietal. Known for producing white wine that is floral and fruit-driven, this grape is grown in many reputable wine regions across the world, most notably Mosel Valley, Germany.  This white grape is often characterized by its moderate size, green skin, high acidity and light body. Notable tasting notes for this grape include citrus, stone fruit, rose blossom and petrol (when aged). Rieslings are also known for expressing their terroir and come in many styles. You can expect variations in terms of flavour, dryness, and sweetness.  For more information on the origins of this versatile grape, read our in-depth guide to Riesling wine.  Does the Riesling Grape Get Better With Age? Many think ageing is only suitable for red wines. But, in fact, many white wines such as Rieslings can evolve beautify with age in bottle. In fact, in recent years, older German Rieslings have come to prominence among sommeliers although it is still somewhat of a secret to consumers of the mass wine market.  As part of aging, one consideration that is looked at is a wine’s structure. Wines that have a complex structure and high acid are known to develop with age. In the case of white wine, the Riesling grape falls into this category – therefore, making it a worthy wine to age.  As noted above, a young Riesling will be unequivocally fresh, vibrant and fruit-forward. However, the profile of an older Riesling is much more complex and interesting. Riesling gains balance and density with age. Prominent flavours such as toast, honey and petrol are known to develop, while the fresh fruit characteristics known in its younger state become more subtle.  Riesling is considered aged after five years and Riesling which is high in acid and sugar or both can sometimes be cellared for twenty years or longer. Having said that, cellaring a Riesling must be done with care – otherwise, it won’t improve with age.  Wine Storage Considerations: How to Store Riesling Correctly How successfully a Riesling ages depends on three factors: the complexity of aromas, acidity levels and residual sugar. As the wine is so versatile and offers both dry, off-dry and sweet versions, you will need a storage method that is as multifaceted as the wine itself.  Wine storage principles such as …

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As an export, Chianti is as famous and respected as pasta, pizza, and espresso. Many wine enthusiasts will be able to cast their minds back to a particularly fond memory of tasting this renowned Italian wine.  Many have asked the question: Is Chianti a grape or a region? Similar to Bordeaux or Champagne, Chianti derives its name from its place of origin rather than its grape varietal. Made primarily with the classic Tuscan grape, Sangiovese, this wine is more than just its flavour profile – its true essence derives from the region and sub-regions it is produced in. Below, we will look at the wine region that gave its name to this red wine, the typical tasting notes and the ideal dishes to serve with Chianti.  Chianti: Understanding the Region and its Sub-Regions Located in Tuscany, the Chianti wine region is known for a distinctive Italian characteristic: rolling hills accentuated by vineyards. Stretching over 100 miles north to south, this large region is known for producing wine from some of the most notable appellations in Italy. In fact, Chianti reached DOCG status in the 1980s. However, it is the Chianti sub-regions where the true magic happens.  Chianti has several sub-regions that are mostly found in and around Florence, Siena, Pisa, and Arezzo. Each of these sub-regions can produce wines in various styles such as Chianti, Classico, Annata, Riserva, and Gran Selezione, all having their own aging requirements.  Let’s take a further look into each of the core sub-regions:  Chianti Classico – Considered the most important sub-region of Chianti, it is the only sub-region to hold its own DOCG. Known for their high-quality and aging properties, Chianti Classico wines have high acidity and a firm tannic structure. Variances in terroir lead to different styles produced in this sub-region. For example, wines from Greve are considered to have concentrated flavours while those from Radda are more elegant.  Chianti Rufina – The smallest of the sub-regions, Chianti Rufina is located east of Florence. Nestled at the base of the Apennine Mountains, this region’s elevation, cool climate and agreeable soils produce Chianti wines that are elegant and ideal for aging.  Chianti Colli Senesi – wines from Colli Senesi can offer good value and are notably elegant with fruit-driven characteristics.  Chianti Montalbano – Located north of Florence, the Chianti Montalbano wine region offers vineyards that are heavily influenced by sandstone which gives the Sangiovese grape a light, fruit-forward style.  Chianti Montespertoli – While it used to be part of the Fiorentini region, this sub-region was given its own designation in the late 1990s. This area’s special terroir and favourable climate allow it to produce particularly ripe Sangiovese grapes. Chianti Montespertoli wine is primarily a blended wine.  Chianti Colli Fiorentini – Chianti Colli Fiorentini wines, produced just south of Florence, are known for being easygoing, fruity, and light-bodied. Many would recommend enjoying these wines while young.  Chianti Colline Pisane – Located near the hills of Pisa, this lesser-known sub-region is closer to the coast and has …

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