A guide to saying it correctly

How to Pronounce Sangiovese Red Wine

Pronounce this popular Italian red wine grape: SAN-joh-VAY-zee.

sangiovese red wine

SAN-joh-VAY-zee

/ˌsændʒoʊˈveɪzi/  ·  san · jo · vey · zi

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It's also a common topic in wine reviews and at wine shops.

Where the word comes from

The name 'Sangiovese' comes from the Latin 'sanguis Iovis', meaning 'blood of Jupiter'. This refers to a legend that the grape was named by the Romans.

Common ways people get it wrong

  • san-joh-VEE-see The 's' at the end is often mistakenly pronounced as a 'see' sound. Remember it's a 'zee' sound, like in 'easy'.
  • san-jee-oh-VEZ The middle 'o' is more of a short 'oh' sound, and the final syllable is 'zee', not 'vez'.

Frequently asked

Is Sangiovese a red wine or white wine?

Sangiovese is primarily known as a red wine grape. It produces wines with bright acidity, firm tannins, and notes of cherry and plum.

What does Sangiovese taste like?

Sangiovese wines typically have flavors of sour cherry, plum, and sometimes earthy or leathery notes. The taste can vary depending on the region and winemaking style.

Where is Sangiovese wine from?

Sangiovese is the most planted red grape in Italy and is the primary grape in famous wines like Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.