Sangiovese vs Tempranillo
How to tell them 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.
SangioveseTempranillo
Step 02
Sangiovese vs Tempranillo
Compare structure side by side, then resolve the close-call with the right separator.
Primary separator
Sangiovese leans sour-cherry fruit, savory herbs, and bright acid spine; Tempranillo leans dill-leather oak profile and savory red-black fruit.
Train this pair →Aroma Markers
Sangiovese more likely markers
- dried herbs
- sour cherry
- tomato leaf
Tempranillo more likely markers
- dill
- leather
- red cherry
Decision Cues
Most useful separators
- Sangiovese leans sour-cherry fruit, savory herbs, and bright acid spine; Tempranillo leans dill-leather oak profile and savory red-black fruit.
High-signal differences
- Acidity: Sangiovese slightly higher (High vs Medium(+)).
- Body: Tempranillo slightly higher (Medium vs Medium(+)).
Structure fingerprint
SangioveseTempranillo
Acidity
High
Medium(+)
Tannin
Medium(+)
Medium(+)
Body
Medium
Medium(+)
Alcohol
Medium
Medium
Color intensity
Medium
Medium
Aromatic intensity
Medium(+)
Medium
Reference context
Sangiovese
Classic regions:
- Brunello di Montalcino
- Chianti Classico
- Romagna
Style examples:
- High-acid savory Italian red
- Oak-aged structured Tuscan red
Tempranillo
Classic regions:
- Douro
- Ribera del Duero
- Rioja
- Toro
Style examples:
- Rioja Reserva
- Ribera del Duero Crianza
- Savory oak-aged Iberian red
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.