Which grape is Italy's most famous, pivotal to Tuscany and Chianti, producing everything from bargain reds to Brunello di Montalcino?

• A. Nebbiolo-red
• B. Sangiovese-red
• C. Nero d'Avola-red
• D. Corvina-red

Answer: (B)

Sangiovese is Tuscany’s signature grape and the cornerstone of Chianti. It gives wines with bright acidity and vibrant red fruit that can be made in a range of styles—from approachable, everyday bargains to serious, age-worthy Brunello di Montalcino, which is produced almost exclusively from Sangiovese (often a clone known as Sangiovese Grosso). This versatility and its deep association with Tuscany make it the best fit for the description.

Nebbiolo is rooted in Piedmont and is famed for Barolo and Barbaresco, Nero d'Avola is a major Sicilian grape, and Corvina is central to Veneto wines like Amarone. They don’t capture Tuscany and Chianti in the same defining way.