Chianti (Italy)

Sour Cherry. Strawberry.
Red Plum. Fig.
Oaked. Vanilla.

Chianti is very food friendly. Good acidity pairs perfect with Tomato Sauces.

Tuscan. Mediterranean. Thai. Indian. Mexican. International.
Antipasti. Salumi. Ribollita (Hearthy Soup).
Pasta with Tomato Sauce. Lasagne. Pizza.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Burgers. Wild Boar. Lamb.
Cheese. Pecorino Toscano. Asiago. Fontina.

Italian DOC(G)

Italian wine labels was introduced in 1963. They were designed to copy the French AOC/AC system.

DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) regulates production areas, grape varieties, alcohol levels, and vinification techniques.

DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) is the highest classification.

Strict rules defines grape varieties, yield limits, grape ripeness, winemaking procedures, barrel and bottle maturation, and tasting procedures. Each bottle must have a numbered government seal.

Chianti DOCG

By law, any wine labelled Chianti must come from the Chianti region between Firenze and Siena, and it must contain at least 80% Sangiovese grapes. In 1995 it became legal to produce Chianti with 100% Sangiovese. Chianti was once known by its short and thick bottle wrapped in a straw basket called "Fiasco". Today most producers use standard wine bottles.

The Sangiovese wines from Tuscany are world famous.

Typical Chianti and Montepulciano wines are Sangiovese blends (70-80%).

Typical Montalcino wines are made from 100% Sangiovese: