The short answer
Sangiovese has a little more tannin than Tempranillo. Sangiovese has noticeably more acidity than Tempranillo.
Tempranillo originates in Rioja, Spain and is most associated with Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Toro. Sangiovese originates in Tuscany, Italy, most associated with Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Montepulciano.
Structure, side by side
Body
Tannin
Acidity
Sweetness
A 1-5 editorial judgement of the typical expression, not a measurement. Individual bottles vary more than the grape does — a warm-vintage example of the leaner wine can outweigh a cool-vintage example of the fuller one.
Tempranillo
Red · Rioja, Spain
Eat it with
- Roast lamb
- Suckling pig
- Jamón ibérico
- Manchego
Look for it from
- Rioja
- Ribera del Duero
- Toro
- Priorat
Sangiovese
Red · Tuscany, Italy
Eat it with
- Pasta with tomato sauce
- Bistecca Fiorentina
- Porcini mushrooms
- Aged pecorino
Look for it from
- Chianti Classico
- Brunello di Montalcino
- Montepulciano
- Morellino di Scansano
Questions people ask
What is the difference between Tempranillo and Sangiovese?
Sangiovese has a little more tannin than Tempranillo; Sangiovese has noticeably more acidity than Tempranillo. Tempranillo comes from Rioja, Spain; Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy.
Which is drier, Tempranillo or Sangiovese?
Both are typically made to a similar sweetness, but Sangiovese usually tastes the drier of the two because its higher acidity cuts through any sugar. Sweetness is a winemaking decision more than a property of the grape, so check the label.
Which goes better with food?
Neither in general, both in particular. Tempranillo is a classic match for roast lamb, suckling pig, jamón ibérico. Sangiovese suits pasta with tomato sauce, bistecca fiorentina, porcini mushrooms.
If I like Tempranillo, will I like Sangiovese?
Spain against Italy, both built around savoury red fruit and oak ageing. Tempranillo is rounder and more vanilla-inflected from American oak; Sangiovese is higher in acid and more herbal.
Taste them side by side.
Pour both, then work through how to taste wine with our free tasting sheet. Or scan both labels and SomeWine walks you through a structured tasting for each.