Updated June 2026
Sangiovese is a grape. Chianti is an appellation — not a ranking. A Chianti bottle is typically Sangiovese-based when that is the class on the neck. Both sit under 27 CFR Part 4 as table wine when that is the class. Typical US table lots sit near 12–14%. A 5-ounce glass at 12% is one NIAAA drink. No 2026 crown.
Related: pasta red, Merlot vs Malbec, Cabernet vs Pinot.
Grape vs appellation
| Language | 5 oz drinks |
|---|---|
| Sangiovese | Read the neck |
| Chianti | Read the neck |
| Typical US table | 1.00 at 12% |
| Best of the two | — |
Count the glass. Pour math: wine math.
Sources
- 27 CFR Part 4. Typical table 12–14%.
- NIAAA December 2025.