How do you tell Pinot Noir and Sangiovese apart in a blind tasting?

The clearest separator between Pinot Noir and Sangiovese is tannin: Pinot Noir is Low while Sangiovese is Medium(+). Lead with that to resolve the blind call.

Is Pinot Noir or Sangiovese higher in tannin?

On the WSET ladder, Pinot Noir is Low and Sangiovese is Medium(+) for tannin.

Are Pinot Noir and Sangiovese red or white?

Pinot Noir and Sangiovese are both red grape varieties.

Pinot Noir vs Sangiovese — how to tell them apart

Structure compared

Structure compared	Pinot Noir	Sangiovese
Acidity	Medium(+)	High
Tannin	Low	Medium(+)
Body	Medium	Medium
Alcohol	Medium	Medium
Color intensity	Pale	Medium
Aromatic intensity	Medium(+)	Medium(+)

Signature aromas

Pinot Noir

red cherrycranberrymushroom

Sangiovese

sour cherrydried herbstomato leaf

Common questions

How do you tell Pinot Noir and Sangiovese apart in a blind tasting?: The clearest separator between Pinot Noir and Sangiovese is tannin: Pinot Noir is Low while Sangiovese is Medium(+). Lead with that to resolve the blind call.
Is Pinot Noir or Sangiovese higher in tannin?: On the WSET ladder, Pinot Noir is Low and Sangiovese is Medium(+) for tannin.
Are Pinot Noir and Sangiovese red or white?: Pinot Noir and Sangiovese are both red grape varieties.