Chianti (Italy)
Chianti is Italy's most famous red wine.
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.
Profile
Flavors
Sour Cherry. Strawberry.
Red Plum. Fig.
Oaked. Vanilla.
Food Pairing
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.
| Serving temperatures: Classico 14-15°C (57-59°F) Riserva 16-17°C (61°/63°F) |
Fiasco
Chianti was once known by its short and thick bottle wrapped in a straw basket called "Fiasco".
Today most producers use standard wine bottles.
Italian DOCG
DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) is the highest Italian wine classification It means controlled (controllata) production and guaranteed (garantita) quality.
Strict rules govern grape varieties, yield limits, grape ripeness, winemaking procedures, barrel and bottle maturation, and official tasting procedures. Each bottle 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.
About Sangiovese
Sangiovese translates to "Blood of Jove" (the Roman God Jupiter).
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:
| DOC(G) | Grapes |
|---|---|
| Brunello di Montalcino | 100% Sangiovese |
| Rosso di Montalcino | 100% Sangiovese |
| Chianti | Minimum 80% Sangiovese |
| Nobile di Montepulciano | Minimum 70% Sangiovese |
| Rosso di Montepulciano | Minimum 70% Sangiovese |