Today’s Spotlight is on Chianti

A Chianti wine is any wine produced in the Chianti region of central Tuscany. It was historically associated with a squat bottle enclosed in a straw basket, called a fiasco. However, the fiasco is now only used by a few makers of the wine; most Chianti is bottled in more standard-shaped wine bottles.

Chianti is a medium-bodied, highly acidic, tartly juicy ruby red wine with flavors of cherry and earth, produced primarily with Sangiovese grapes in the Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy. Chianti features a high level of tannin, which contributes to its dry flavor.

Five Things You Need to Know About Chianti Classico:

• It can be made in just one place in the world.
• It’s based on the Sangiovese grape, native to central Italy.
• Every bottle of Chianti Classico is marked with a black rooster.
• Red berries and violets are Chianti Classico’s tell-tale notes.
• It’s tailormade for tomatoes.

Chianti Classico is a high-quality wine that should be drunk before the 10 year mark. A great Riserva can last 10-15 years. For most wines, an aging time of two to three years is most appropriate.

History

The earliest examples of Chianti were a white wine but gradually evolved into a red. Baron Bettino Ricasoli, the future prime minister in the Kingdom of Italy, created the first known “Chianti recipe” in 1872, recommending 70% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo and 15% Malvasia bianca.

The name “Chianti” first appeared in the 13th century to refer to a geographical location. In the 14th century, the Florentine Republic identified the hills between Florence and Siena as Chianti.  In 1716, Grand Duke Cosimo III de Medici created what is believed to be the first legislation governing wine production. The edict formally designated the area allowed to use the Chianti nomenclature for their wine.

 

Here are some fun facts about Chianti:

• The Chianti region is landlocked and extends over the provinces of Florence and Siena.
• Chianti was a white wine as late as 1398.
• The Antinori family, one of Italy’s oldest wine producers, started making Chianti.
• Chianti Classico is marked with a black rooster.
• The black rooster is a symbol of the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium, which was founded in 1924 to protect and promote the wine.
• Chianti is based on the Sangiovese grape.
• The Sangiovese grape is native to central Italy.
• Chianti has flavors of cherry and earth, and a high level of tannin, which contributes to its dry flavor.
• Chianti is tailormade for tomatoes.
• Chianti Classico has tell-tale notes of red berries and violets.
• Chianti is one of the world’s oldest wine regions.
• Wine has been produced in the Chianti region of Tuscany for thousands of years.
• The name Chianti could come from Latin for clangor.
• The name could come from the sound of the hunt that rang throughout the forests that once covered the entire territory.

 

Here are some categories of Chianti wine:

• Chianti: The catchall appellation at the bottom of the quality pyramid.
• Chianti Classico: Has its own appellation.
• Chianti Rufina: A subzone of Chianti known for its high-quality bottlings.
• Chianti Colli Senesi: A subzone of Chianti known for its high-quality bottlings Wine Enthusiast.
• Superiore: Aged for a year, with bolder wines and smoother tannin.
• Riserva: Aged for two years, and usually the top wines of a Chianti producer.
• Gran Selezione: Aged for at least 2.5 years, and only found in Chianti Classico Wine.

Chianti Classico DOCG tends to soft velvet over time.

 

Here are some characteristics to look for in a Chianti wine:

• Color: A ruby red color.
• Aroma: Floral notes.
• Flavor: Dry, with a good level of tannin.
• Alcohol level: At least 12 degrees.
• Aging: Aged for at least 24 months, with three months in the bottle.
• Grape content: At least 80% Sangiovese, with a maximum of 20% other red grapes.
• Quality: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is considered the best quality Chianti.
• Notes: Flavors of cherries, red fruits, and tomato.
• Label: Chianti Classico bottles are marked with a black rooster.
• Region: Chianti Classico can only be made in a restricted region between Florence and Siena.
• Sweetness: Chianti can be both sweet and dry.

Some producers also make slightly sweet versions of Chianti, labeled as “Chianti Dolce” or “Chianti Sweet”.

 

Here are some of the best Chianti wines:

• Chianti Classico Riserva Grand Selezioni: Considered the best Chianti wine, this wine is made from grapes from a single estate or vineyard and aged for 6 months longer than Riserva.
• Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico: One of the most popular Chianti wines under $30.
• Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico Riserva: Considered a terrific Tuscan wine Reverse.
• Chianti Classico Gran Selezione: Made from estate fruit and aged for 30 months in oak barrels.
• Fattoria di Pomona: An artisan, biodynamic, and natural winery in Catellina in Chianti, Siena.

 

September 1^st is National Chianti Day. Take a moment to honor this day by having a glass of this full bodied red wine who’s origins are from a white grape. Let us know in the comments, which producer is your favorite.