Bocelli Rosso Toscano Sangiovese

Bocelli Rosso Toscano Sangiovese is a 100% Sangiovese red wine from Tuscany, Italy, bottled at 13% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Scoring 90 points from Wine Spectator on its 2015 vintage, this unoaked Tuscan red stands out for its use of the traditional governo all'uso Toscana technique, in which a small percentage of grapes are dried to raisin-like concentration before being added back during fermentation — yielding richer aromatics and deeper fruit character than a standard Sangiovese.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13%  |  Origin: Tuscany, Italy  |  Varietal: 100% Sangiovese  |  Producer: Bocelli Family Wines

Production & Heritage

Bocelli Family Wines is the winemaking venture of the celebrated Bocelli family, drawing on generations of agricultural roots in Tuscany. Grapes for the Rosso Toscano are hand-harvested from select vineyard sites in the Morellino area, a sub-region prized for producing ripe, expressive Sangiovese. The wine sees no oak aging, relying instead on the governo all'uso Toscana method — an ancient technique where a portion of harvested grapes is partially dried to concentrate sugars and aromatics, then added to the fermenting must to trigger a slow secondary fermentation. The result is a wine with noticeably more body and fruit depth than typical unoaked Sangiovese, while preserving bright acidity and a clean, dry finish.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark cherry and cranberry lead immediately, followed by layers of leather, underbrush, and a faint smokiness. Beneath those primary notes, subtle hints of marasca cherry and rhubarb add complexity.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, with ripe red cherry and berry compote coating the palate. At mid-palate, warm spice notes — cinnamon, clove — emerge alongside touches of black tea, graphite, and a savory soy-like undertone. Tannins are velvety and well-integrated, balanced by bright, refreshing acidity.

Finish: Medium in length, suitably dry, with lingering red fruit and a taut acidity that keeps the palate clean. A whisper of hazelnut appears on the very tail end.

How to Drink Bocelli Rosso Toscano

This Sangiovese is at its best served at a cool cellar temperature of around 60–65°F (16–18°C). It drinks beautifully on its own without decanting, though 15–20 minutes of air opens up the spice and leather notes further. For cocktails and mixed drinks: a classic Sangria Rossa benefits from the wine's deep cherry fruit and balanced acidity; a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) works surprisingly well given the soft tannin structure; and a simple Red Wine Spritzer with sparkling water and a twist of orange highlights the bright, juicy character of the Sangiovese.

Best For

• Weeknight Italian dinners — pasta, pizza, or simple grilled meats
• Introducing someone to Tuscan Sangiovese without the complexity or price of Brunello
• Hosting casual dinner parties where approachability matters more than cellar pedigree
• Gifting to fans of the Bocelli family or Italian wine culture

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bocelli Rosso Toscano taste like? It delivers abundant dark cherry and red berry fruit with warm cinnamon-clove spice, velvety tannins, and a dry, clean finish lifted by bright acidity. Subtle savory notes of leather, black tea, and graphite add depth beyond a simple fruit-forward red.

How does Bocelli Rosso Toscano compare to a Chianti? Both are Sangiovese-based Tuscan reds, but the Bocelli uses the governo all'uso Toscana technique, which gives it noticeably richer fruit concentration and softer tannins than most entry-level Chianti. Chianti often shows more earthy, herbal character and firmer acidity, while this Rosso Toscano leans juicier and more immediately approachable.

Is Bocelli Rosso Toscano good for everyday drinking? Absolutely — its soft tannins, bright acidity, and unoaked fruit-forward profile make it an easy-drinking Tuscan red that pairs well with a wide range of foods and requires no decanting or aging.

Where is Bocelli Rosso Toscano made? It is produced by Bocelli Family Wines in Tuscany, Italy, using hand-harvested Sangiovese grapes sourced from select vineyard sites in the Morellino area, a coastal sub-region of southern Tuscany known for warm-climate, ripe expressions of the grape.

What foods pair well with Bocelli Rosso Toscano? Margherita pizza pairs naturally, as the wine's acidity cuts through mozzarella and tomato. Pappardelle with wild boar ragù mirrors the wine's earthy undertones. Grilled lamb chops complement the cherry and spice notes. Hard aged cheeses like Pecorino Toscano echo the Tuscan terroir. Even a simple bruschetta with fresh tomatoes works well against the bright fruit and dry finish.

What sizes does Bocelli Rosso Toscano come in? The standard release is available in the 750ml bottle format.

Is Bocelli Rosso Toscano worth the price? It positions as an entry-level to mid-range Tuscan Sangiovese, and the governo technique gives it a concentration and polish that punch above its price tier — the 90-point Wine Spectator score on the 2015 vintage reinforces that it delivers strong value within everyday Italian reds.

Why Bocelli Rosso Toscano?

The governo all'uso Toscana method is what genuinely separates this wine from the crowded field of sub-€15 Tuscan Sangiovese. That traditional raisining step — increasingly rare in commercial production — delivers a richness and aromatic depth that unoaked Sangiovese seldom achieves at this level. A 90-point score from Wine Spectator and an 88-point rating from Wine Enthusiast's Kerin O'Keefe confirm the wine's quality is not just a product of the famous family name. For anyone looking for an honest, food-friendly Tuscan red with genuine regional character and a real production story behind the label, this Rosso Toscano earns its place on the table.