Few grapes capture the heart and soul of Italian winemaking like Sangiovese. As Italy’s most planted grape variety, Sangiovese forms the backbone of world-renowned wines like Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. With its vibrant acidity, rustic charm, and food-friendly nature, it has become a favorite of wine lovers across the globe.
At Cellar Beast Winehouse, we have a special connection to this noble varietal. While we celebrate Sangiovese’s Old World legacy, we also craft our small-lot bottlings here in Pennsylvania from fruit sourced at Pontin del Roza Vineyard in Washington’s Yakima Valley. Each vintage reflects both the grape’s Tuscan heritage and our winemaking philosophy of minimal intervention, French oak aging, and terroir expression.
As someone who has walked the vineyard rows, tasted the fruit as it arrives fresh from cross-country transport, and watched it evolve under our winemaker’s careful guidance, I can say with confidence: our Cellar Beast Sangiovese belongs among the top-rated Sangiovese wines to buy online today.
Buy Cellar Beast's Best Sangiovese Wine today!
What is Sangiovese Wine?
Sangiovese originates in Tuscany, where it has been cultivated for centuries. Known for its medium to whole body, bright acidity, and layered flavors of cherry, plum, dried herbs, cedar, and leather, Sangiovese expresses both elegance and rusticity.
It is also one of the most food-friendly Italian red wines, making it a staple in homes and restaurants alike. Its acidity pairs beautifully with:
- Tomato-based sauces (think Pasta alla Norma or spaghetti Bolognese)
- Grilled meats (from lamb chops to Tuscan steak)
- Aged cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano
This versatility is why Sangiovese remains the backbone of Italy’s wine culture—and why it resonates so strongly with our winemaking journey at Cellar Beast.
How to Identify the Best Sangiovese Wine
When shopping for Sangiovese, here’s what to look for:
- Key Regions
- Chianti Classico DOCG – Bright cherry, earthy herbs, lively acidity.
- Brunello di Montalcino – Rich, structured, and age-worthy.
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (Prugnolo Gentile) – Perfumed and elegant.
- Morellino di Scansano & Montecucco Sangiovese – Fresh and coastal in style.
- Aging Classifications
- Riserva – Extended oak aging, deeper structure.
- Gran Selezione – The top tier of Chianti, offering complexity and longevity.
- Label Tips
- “Sangiovese” or “Prugnolo Gentile” = pure varietal wines.
- “Brunello” = 100% Sangiovese from Montalcino.
- “Super Tuscan” = modern blends of Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Syrah.
Understanding these terms helps you confidently select both Italian classics and exciting New World bottlings.
Best Sangiovese Wines to Buy Online
Here are my curated recommendations for those searching for premium Tuscan wines online—along with our very own small-lot release:
2023 Cellar Beast Sangiovese (Yakima Valley, WA – Pontin del Roza Vineyard)
This is the wine closest to my heart. Crafted by our Head Winemaker, Matt Check, it is a 100% Sangiovese aged 14 months in neutral French oak.
- Tasting Notes: Bursting with cherry and cranberry, layered with leather, cedar, and dried herbs. A rustic edge is balanced by supple tannins and lively acidity, making this both expressive and approachable.
- Vintage Character: The warm 2023 Yakima Valley growing season produced fruit with excellent ripeness while maintaining Sangiovese’s hallmark freshness.
- Pairings: Pappardelle with wild boar ragu, wood-fired pizza with fennel sausage, Tuscan-style grilled steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina), sausage & pepper skewers, or aged Pecorino Romano.
- Specs: ABV 13.5% | 750ml | Limited production
- Availability: Only through our online shop—this bottling sells out quickly, so don’t wait to order.
Other Noteworthy Picks:
- Chianti Classico Riserva – Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva – A benchmark Tuscan red with refined structure.
- Brunello di Montalcino – Tenuta Luce – Powerful, age-worthy, and collectible.
- Vino Noceto Rosso Sangiovese (Sierra Foothills, CA) – A standout American interpretation of Italy’s noble grape.
- Super Tuscan – Il Segreto (Toscana IGT) – A bold Sangiovese-Cabernet Sauvignon blend with international flair.
Perfect Food Pairings for Sangiovese
Whether hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, Sangiovese brings food and people together.
- Classic Pairings:
- Pasta with tomato-based sauces
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Tuscan steak)
- Eggplant parmigiana
- Modern Pairings:
- BBQ ribs with smoky glaze
- Roasted root vegetables with herbs
- Lamb skewers with Mediterranean spices
- Entertaining Tip: Serve Sangiovese slightly cool (60–62°F) in wide glasses to let its aromatics unfold.
Buying Sangiovese Online from Cellar Beast Winehouse
At Cellar Beast Winehouse, we make it simple to bring these wines home:
- Shop Online: Secure checkout and wine shipping to most U.S. states.
- Exclusive Access: Small-lot wines available only through our online cellar.
- Wine Club: Early access to releases like our 2023 Sangiovese plus members-only perks.
- Guided Tastings: Explore Sangiovese with us in person or virtually.
Instead of searching “Sangiovese wine near me,” discover our exclusive Italian-inspired collection online.
Conclusion
Sangiovese is a grape of passion—rooted in Italy’s hillsides, celebrated around the world, and now thriving in Washington’s Yakima Valley. At Cellar Beast Winehouse, our 2023 Sangiovese honors its Old World heritage while delivering a New World edge that’s uniquely ours.
Shop the Best Sangiovese Wines Today at Cellar Beast Winehouse
FAQ
What is the best Sangiovese wine to buy online? Our 2023 Cellar Beast Sangiovese, alongside Chianti Classico Riserva and Brunello di Montalcino.
Which regions produce the highest-quality Sangiovese wines? Tuscany (Chianti, Montalcino, Montepulciano) plus New World examples from California and Washington.
How does Chianti compare to Brunello di Montalcino? Chianti = fresh, lively, food-friendly. Brunello = rich, structured, and built for aging.
What foods pair best with Sangiovese wine? Pasta with tomato sauce, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and aged cheeses.
Where can I order authentic Italian Sangiovese online? Cellar Beast Winehouse offers both authentic imports and our own estate-crafted Sangiovese.
What makes Sangiovese Riserva worth buying? Extended oak aging adds complexity, depth, and age-worthiness.
Are there affordable options for quality Sangiovese wines? Yes—Chianti Classico DOCG and our own Sangiovese offer value and character.
Which Sangiovese wines are best for aging? Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, and cellar-aged releases.
Can I get Sangiovese wine shipped to my state? Yes—Cellar Beast offers authentic Italian red wine delivery across most of the U.S.
What’s the difference between Sangiovese and Super Tuscan wines? Super Tuscans blend Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot for bolder, international styles.
About the Author
Kim McCullough is co-owner of Cellar Beast Winehouse, a woman- and veteran-owned winery in Pennsylvania. Alongside her husband, Aaron, and Head Winemaker Matt Check, she has overseen the sourcing of premium fruit from Washington’s Pontin del Roza Vineyard and beyond. With a passion for Old World winemaking traditions and a focus on e-commerce accessibility, Kim brings both professional expertise and personal storytelling to help wine lovers everywhere discover the joy of authentic Sangiovese wines.
