Sangiovese

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A variety of red grape native to Italy that is frequently employed in winemaking for producing elegant wines with balanced acidity and fruitiness
2. This grape, predominantly found in Tuscany, is renowned for its cherry flavors and adaptability across different wine varieties
3. A red grape originating from Italy, known for its characteristic cherry notes and versatility in producing well-structured wines with good acidity and fruit expression

Etymology: Sangiovese is one of Italy's most widely planted red grapes, and its name is most often explained as "sangue di Giove," Italian for "blood of Jove." The folk story is that the name refers to Jupiter, the Roman king of the gods, whose blood was supposedly the source of the wine's colour, though this is a popular explanation rather than a documented etymology. The word itself is Italian, and English took it directly from that language, so there is no older English or Latin stage to trace. Its exact internal origin is not something this entry can settle with confidence, so the "blood of Jove" connection should be treated as a story that is easy to repeat rather than a proven source.