Sangiovese
An elite indica-leaning hybrid crossing Brandywine with GMO—crafted for ultimate bag appeal and pungent funk
What is Sangiovese?
Sangiovese is a masterclass in modern breeding from Dungeon Vault Genetics. By crossing the flavor-forward Brandywine with the legendary, heavy-hitting GMO, DVG has created a cultivar that bridges the gap between sweet connoisseur profiles and aggressive, savory funk. While GMO is often associated with the "garlic, mushroom, onion" nose, Sangiovese pulls in the dark fruit and floral notes of the Brandywine lineage.
Named after the famous Italian wine grape, Sangiovese is primarily a flower-focused strain. It isn't a traditional "washer" for solventless extraction due to its specific trichome structure (Ether), but what it lacks in wash yield, it more than makes up for in shelf presence and bag appeal. Growers seeking a flagship flower with incredible density, vibrant purple hues, and a smell that penetrates the thickest jars will find exactly what they are looking for in an authentic breeder cut of Sangiovese.
Terpene Profile
The Sangiovese strain terpenes offer a complex sensory experience. The dominant profile is a heavy GMO funk—garlic and diesel—but it is smoothed out by the sweet, fermented grape and berry undertones from the Brandywine parent. It is a savory-sweet combination that smells like a vintage cellar filled with gas-soaked fruit.
Growing Sangiovese
Sangiovese inherits the vigorous, lanky growth of the GMO side, meaning it will stretch significantly during the first three weeks of flower. It requires a bit more patience than some hybrids, often needing a full 9 to 10 weeks to reach peak maturity. The reward is a massive harvest of flower that is nearly 100% "A-grade" tops due to its excellent light penetration.
Key Growing Tips
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Height ManagementExpect a heavy 3x stretch; top early and use multiple layers of trellis
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Temperature ControlCooler temps in late flower bring out deep violet and burgundy hues
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DefoliationHeavy defoliation in weeks 3 and 6 is vital to support its large flower structure
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Long FinishDo not harvest early; the terps and potency peak in the final 10 days
Because Sangiovese is not a washer, focus your efforts on a slow, cold cure. This preserves the delicate Brandywine esters that balance out the GMO funk.
Appearance & Bag Appeal
Sangiovese is widely considered a "show" strain. The buds are typically spear-shaped and incredibly dense, resembling the structure of GMO but with a tighter, more commercial-friendly trim. The color palette is a striking mix of deep forest greens, dark purples, and electric orange hairs.
The "frost" factor is immense; while the resin head type may not be ideal for washing hash, the visual "sparkle" on the flower is top-tier. Under a macro lens, the buds look like they've been dipped in sugar, making it a favorite for dispensaries and photographers.
Flower Performance
Unlike many modern "hype" strains bred specifically for hash, Sangiovese was selected for its excellence as a smokeable flower. It burns with a clean white ash and provides a thick, flavorful vapor that stays true to its aroma until the very end of the joint.
Effects & Experience
The Sangiovese strain effects are heavy and immediate. It carries the "creeper" quality of GMO but with an initial head rush that can be quite intense. It is a true evening strain, providing a deep physical stone that is perfect for pain relief, insomnia, or intense relaxation.
Best Clone Pairings
Looking to round out your garden with similar heat? These strains pair perfectly with Sangiovese in terms of flowering time or complementary terpene profiles:
Frequently Asked Questions
Sangiovese is a cross between Brandywine and GMO. Brandywine (Pink Champagne x Grandpa's Breath) provides the fruity, fermented aroma, while GMO (Chemdog x GSC) provides the heavy yield, density, and offensive funk.
While Sangiovese is extremely frosty, it is not recommended for washing. The resin heads are "ether," meaning they tend to burst or lack the resilience needed for ice water hash extraction. It is much better suited for high-end boutique flower or hydrocarbon (BHO) extraction.
It is a tall cultivar. Like its GMO parent, it has a significant stretch. Indoor growers should flip to flower early and expect the plants to double or triple in height during the transition.
It smells like a mix of rotting grapes, old wine, garlic, and diesel fuel. It is a very loud, "breath" heavy strain that requires high-quality carbon filtration in the grow room.
Sangiovese is a 9 to 10-week strain. Cutting it at 8 weeks will significantly reduce both the yield and the development of its complex terpene profile.
