Get to know more about the iconic, food-friendly Italian red wine that is Chianti. The Chianti wine is very famous and ranges in price from $10 a bottle to $50 for higher-end versions so you can easily buy italian wine. Chianti wine has outgrown the old-school straw basket model in recent decades. Also, it has evolved to a huge extent.
What does Chianti wine taste like?
Labeled Chianti wine must be originally from the Chianti region and made from Sangiovese grapes. However, at times, the winemakers choose to use Sangiovese entirely. Also, there is an alternative. When it comes to the vintages where balance is needed, there’s a need to include native grapes such as Canaiolo and Colorino in the blend. Occasionally, you can also find international varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
A highlight on the differences between Chianti and Chianti Classico
Chianti has two most common versions, namely, Chianti and Chianti Classico. The latter turns out to be more refined than the two. It is the product from the grapes harvested in the Chianti region’s best vineyards. You can notice that it is quite similar to the old-world appellation, with several sub-appellations to explore.
Chianti DOCG, with at least 70 percent Sangiovese, is a somewhat catchall appellation for wines. However, this is the version that does not include Chianti Classico. When the grapes are grown exclusively in one of the seven sub-zones, the producers can choose to add the name of the sub-zone. The subzones include the following versions:
• Chianti Colli Aretini
• Chianti Colline Pisane
• Chianti Montalbano
• Chianti Colli Fiorentini
• Chianti Colli Senesi
• Chianti Rufina
• Chianti Superiore
• Chianti Montespertoli
Chianti DOCG produces these wines, as mentioned above. The wines are made using grapes from lower-yielding vineyards.
A highlight on the Chianti Riserva
Chianti Riserva serves as another subset of Chianti DOCG. This is the ingredient that finds use in the wines aged for at least two years before the release.
Chianti Classico DOCG guide
Wines that fall under the category of the Chianti Classico DOCG contain at least 80 percent Sangiovese. These are the wines that serve as the highest-quality offering. The grapes in Chianti Classico wines grow at higher elevations than the ones for Chianti DOCG. You can get the branded bottles of Chianti Classico with a symbol of a black rooster or Gallo Nero.
Chianti Classico Annata
Annata wines, the first of three Chianti Classico subcategories, have always been the one that is the lowest on the pyramid. The minimum alcohol content of 12 percent ABV makes it very distinct. Also, the wine must age in barrels for at least 12 months.
Final words
Younger expressions include red fruit flavors like red currant, raspberry, or plum. Also, you can get some versions, including roasted or sun-dried tomatoes. With age, Chianti wine becomes very specific in its taste. It develops rustic, earthy notes, including the dried flowers or clay pots. Chianti has always been medium-bodied. Moreover, it is also high in both tannins and acidity. That said, the Chianti wine turns out to be ideal for food pairings and can ensure the serving the delicious taste.
