One of the first Sangiovese wines I tasted was while visiting Tuscany. I still remember the wine, the experience and the beautiful Italian lifestyle. Now whenever, I have a glass of Sangiovese to enjoy, I look into that glass of red wine and remember Italy, wine, food and a way of life.

I was rather surprised yesterday when I read an article about new plantings of Sangiovese grapevines. According to the “Sangiovese planted in south of France,” article appearing on Decanter .com, the number of Sangiovese grapevines being planted in Italy has been on the decline.

However, it seems that France has developed a significant interest in planting Sangiovese vines in the south. Eugenio Sartori, the director general of Vivai Cooperativi Rauscedo, noted that “Sangiovese’s relative resistance to drought and higher yields made it an ‘interesting opportunity for the south of France, especially the Languedoc’.”

It will be a few years before we see the Sangiovese wines from France’s southern region being produced. My guess is that the wines will be good but it won’t be enough for me to purchase a French Sangiovese instead of an Italian Sangiovese.

Cheers, Kathy