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

The clearest separator between Sangiovese and Tempranillo is acidity: Sangiovese is High while Tempranillo is Medium(+). Lead with that to resolve the blind call.

Is Sangiovese or Tempranillo higher in acidity?

On the WSET ladder, Sangiovese is High and Tempranillo is Medium(+) for acidity.

Are Sangiovese and Tempranillo red or white?

Sangiovese and Tempranillo are both red grape varieties.

Sangiovese vs Tempranillo — how to tell them apart

Structure compared

Structure compared	Sangiovese	Tempranillo
Acidity	High	Medium(+)
Tannin	Medium(+)	Medium(+)
Body	Medium	Medium(+)
Alcohol	Medium	Medium
Color intensity	Medium	Medium
Aromatic intensity	Medium(+)	Medium

Signature aromas

Sangiovese

sour cherrydried herbstomato leaf

Tempranillo

red cherrydillleather

Common questions

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