A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Sangiovese
Pronounce this Italian red wine grape: SAN-joh-VAY-zee. Learn the rhythm and common pitfalls.
sangiovese
SAN-joh-VAY-zee
/ˌsæn.dʒoʊˈveɪ.zi/ · san · jo · vey · zi
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a common topic in wine reviews and discussions about Italian viticulture.
Where the word comes from
The name 'Sangiovese' comes from the Latin 'sanguis jovis', meaning 'blood of Jove' (Jupiter), referring to its supposed origin near Mount Amiata in Tuscany.
Common ways people get it wrong
- san-jee-OH-vee-see This often happens because English speakers try to apply Italian vowel sounds to the 'g' and 's' letters, but the stress is on the 'vay' syllable.
- san-joh-VEZ The final 'e' in Italian names is usually pronounced as a distinct syllable, not dropped or turned into an 's' sound.
Frequently asked
How do you say Sangiovese wine?
Say it SAN-joh-VAY-zee. The stress falls on the 'VAY' syllable, making it stand out.
Is Sangiovese Italian?
Yes, Sangiovese is the most widely planted red grape variety in Italy, particularly famous in Tuscany.
What does Sangiovese taste like?
It typically has notes of cherry, plum, and sometimes earthy or leathery undertones, with bright acidity.
How do Italians pronounce Sangiovese?
Italians pronounce Sangiovese with a soft 'g' sound, similar to the 'j' in 'judge'. The emphasis is on the third syllable: San-joh-VAY-seh.
What does Sangiovese mean in Italian?
Sangiovese translates to 'the blood of Jove' in Italian. Jove refers to Jupiter, the Roman king of the gods.
What is the English pronunciation of Sangiovese?
In English, Sangiovese is often pronounced with a harder 'g' sound, like in 'go'. The pronunciation is generally SAN-joh-VAY-zee.
