Wine 101- The Fascinating Chianti

Chianti, an iconic and versatile Italian red wine, has evolved beyond stereotypes. Explore the rich history, diverse flavors, and nuances between Chianti and its refined counterpart, Chianti Classico.

Chianti Unveiled: A Deep Dive

Chianti In 60 Seconds:

1. Chianti spans a price range from $10 to $50, shedding its old-school image.
2. The Chianti region in central Italy comprises seven sub-regions.
3. Sangiovese, an indigenous red grape, dominates, offering fresh red fruit flavors with a touch of spiciness.
4. Chianti ages for 5-10 years, featuring earthy notes in oak-aged versions.

Where is the Chianti Region?

1. Located in Tuscany, Chianti boasts landscapes, hot summers, and a rich art and food history.
2. Named after its region, Chianti is crafted mainly from Sangiovese grapes.

What Does Chianti Taste Like?

1. Chianti, labeled when made mostly from Sangiovese, presents red fruit flavors, evolving with age.
2. A medium-bodied wine with high tannins and acidity, ideal for diverse food pairings.

The Differences Between Chianti and Chianti Classico:

1. Chianti Classico, the refined version, requires 80% Sangiovese and is crafted from the region’s best vineyards.
2. Chianti DOCG encompasses subzones, such as Colli Fiorentini and Rufina, showcasing diverse expressions.

Chianti DOCG Guide

1. Chianti DOCG contains 70% Sangiovese, allowing subzone names like Colli Senesi on labels.
2. Subzones include Colli Aretini, Montalbano, and Superiore, offering wines from lower-yielding vineyards.

Chianti Riserva

1. A subset of Chianti DOCG, Riserva denotes wines aged for at least two years before release.

Chianti Classico DOCG Guide

1. Chianti Classico, with 80% Sangiovese, signifies the highest-quality offering from the region.
2. Annata, Riserva, and Gran Selezione are subcategories, each with distinct aging requirements.

The Best Food to Pair with Chianti

1. Chianti complements authentic Italian dishes with tomato bases, enhancing its fruitiness.
2. Versatile due to medium-body and savory characteristics, Chianti pairs well with roasts, BBQ, and charcuterie.

10 Facts About Chianti

1. Originating from Tuscany, Chianti has shed its 1970s straw basket image.
2. Chianti’s seven sub-regions include Colli Pisane and Montespertoli.
3. Sangiovese, the dominant grape, contributes to diverse flavor profiles.
4. Chianti Classico, marked by a black rooster symbol, demands 80% Sangiovese.
5. Chianti Riserva signifies quality with a minimum two-year aging requirement.
6. Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is the highest level, aging for a minimum of 30 months.
7. Chianti’s medium-body and high tannins suit various food pairings.
8. The region of Chianti offers landscapes, hot summers, and rich history.
9. Chianti’s versatility extends to pairing with rich roasts and indulgent charcuterie.
10. Chianti’s refined expressions showcase the artistry of Italian winemaking.

Since you made it here…Interesting Wines to try

2019 Bouchaine Hyde Vineyard Merlot Carneros – Napa Valley

• The legendary Hyde Vineyard unveils a brilliantly structured Merlot
• Ripe tannins dominate, yet irresistibly approachable in its early evolution
• Sarsaparilla, cola spice, and cigar humidor dance with black licorice
• Layers of plum sauce, blackberries, cassis, and black raspberries unfold
• Scrubby herbs emerge with perky acidity, keeping the experience lively
• Immerse yourself in the world of wine with Hyde Vineyard’s masterpiece
• Elevate your tasting experience with this captivating Merlot

2019 Chappellet Merlot Napa Valley

• Inky richness, bursting with toasty cacao, espresso, and grilled vanilla
• Silky mouthfeel framed by sweet, integrating tannins
• Spiced plums, cassis, and bright acidity lingering through a blueberry-kissed finish

2019 Cuvaison Arcilla Merlot Los Carneros – Napa Valley

• Pure evocation of strawberries with evolving tea-like tannins
• Flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, and smashed blueberry
• Notably savory with hints of carob, mineral, black licorice, and plum sauce layers

2019 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot Napa Valley

• A beautiful expression with sweet tannins and well-integrated oak spicing
• Hoisin sauce, cassis, violets, and candied orange peels
• Sandalwood, floral peppercorns, espresso beans, warm vanilla, and loam

2019 L’Ecole No. 41 Merlot Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Estate-grown brilliance structured for mid-term aging
• Ripe red berry fruit and cherries finding counterpoints in dusty tannins and carob
• Minerality pulsing through each sip, delivering a brilliant wine experience

2019 La Jota Vineyard Co. Howell Mountain Estate MerlotNapa Valley

• A classic effort from winemaker Chris Carpenter with astounding mountain-grown grapes
• Age-worthy tannins allowing notes of licorice, granite, cacao nibs, and well-steeped tea to shine
• Cardamom and violets lingering through the long, elegant finish

2020 Macari Vineyards Merlot North Fork of Long Island

• A spicy and fascinating expression, dominated by crushed peppercorns
• Remarkably translucent, revealing red cherries, raspberries, and toasted fennel seeds with oak spice

2018 Meeker Winemakers’ Handprint Collection Merlot Sonoma County

• Lifted and well-delineated, expressive of black raspberries, ripe cherries, and goji berries
• Loamy earthiness, sarsaparilla-dusted tannins, and a bay-leaf note creating an intriguing wine experience
• Elegant yet powerful, structured for cellaring or enjoying now with grilled meat

2019 Mt. Brave Merlot Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley

• Toasty, rich, and brooding, a wine rewarding patience
• Notes of blackberry liqueur, kirsch, cassis, purple plums, and cardamom promising complexity
• Impressive balance and structure with graphite-like tannins and singed laurel nuances

2019 Northstar Premier Merlot Columbia Valley, Washington

• Velvety texture, ripe with a counterbalancing punch of acidity
• Crushed blackberries and mulberries, vanilla, clove, and toasty oak through the finish
• A stellar example of what the wine variety does best in the Columbia Valley

2019 PlumpJack Estate Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• A toasty, modern, crowd-pleasing beauty with rich, chocolatey notes
• Plums, blackberries, and cassis lifted by candied violets
• Aging potential of five to seven years, but delightful fruitiness makes it enjoyable now

2019 Ridge Vineyards Estate Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains

• Shining with the character of the venerable Monte Bello Vineyard
• Cedar, incense, brambly berries, elegant balance, and beautifully calibrated acidity
• Promising another ten to fifteen years of life ahead

2019 Rutherford Hill Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• Silky and herbaceous, less fruit-forward than typical Napa Merlot
• Layers of black and red raspberries, cherries, and chocolate with lively mineral finish
• A solid value delivering a unique wine experience for less than $30

2019 Seavey MerlotNapa Valley

• Estate-grown Merlot marked by toasty oak, cafe mocha notes, and woodsy spices
• Silky tannins, density, and underlying pulse of minerality providing real energy
• A captivating wine experience with impressive aging potential

2020 Seven Hills Winery Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Fruit-forward Merlot from a vineyard planted in the early-1980s
• Underlying bergamot note with nuances of sage, oregano, and cracked peppercorns
• Sweet tannins lingering through flavors of red and purple plums and huckleberries

2018 St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery Rutherford Estate Vineyards MerlotNapa Valley

• Rich, chocolatey aromas of hoisin sauce and spiced blackberry liqueur
• Balanced acidity with minerality, hint of dried herbs, and fantastic kirsch finish

2019 Vérité La Muse

• One of the most intriguing and appealing new-release Merlots
• A balance of perfume and depth with red currants, raspberries, cherries, plums, graphite, and hints of tobacco and sandalwood

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