Newsletter 10/30/24
Rolling green hills dotted with vines as far as the eye can see and impressive medieval stone hamlets nestled on the hilltops, all against the backdrop of a wonderful pink and terracotta-hued sunset. Sigh. Welcome to the beautiful Chianti Italy wine region. Chances are, if you love Italian food and wine (and of course dreamy scenes like the one just mentioned), you’re going to want to visit the Tuscany wine region at some stage.
The name “Chianti” first appeared in the 13th century. At that time, it referred to a geographical location. It eventually became the world’s first legally demarcated wine region in the early 1700s, made official by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo III. In 1716, he issued an edict that allowed the region to use “Chianti” for its wines. That same edict also outlined the area we now know as Chianti Classico.
In 1872, the second Prime Minister of Italy, Baron Bettino Ricasoli, wrote a letter outlining what we know now as the modern formula for Chianti. He stated that it should be a red blend consisting of mainly Sangiovese grapes. Makers could add other local varieties such as Canaiolo or Malvasia, too.
There are a few different designations of Chianti available on the market, with the differences between them being based largely on the percent Sangiovese they contain, the area in which the grapes are grown, and the aging requirements. The vast majority contain 70% to 100% Sangiovese grapes. These thin-skinned fruits provide a transparent ruby color and flavors of cherries, plums, and dried herbs. Upon aging, notes of earth and leather become apparent. Sangiovese grapes also feature high acidity and excellent tannins.
Villa Travignoli Chianti Rufina 2022 $14 The color is of a bright ruby red. On the nose, expect a clean, floral aroma. The wine is well structured and harmonic on the palate. Soft tannins allow for this wine to go down smooth and fast! Drinking great now, this wine can age for 10 to 15 years.
Fattoria Montellori Chianti 2020 $15 Purple colour. Elegant with typical aromas of Sangiovese, wide and persistent; cherry and red berry fruits taste, with good acidity and well balanced. The villa at Fattoria Montellori is heavenly.
Tenuta di Lilliano Chianti Classico 2021 $21 Soft, round, and fresh with bright red fruits, supple brightness and characteristics of cherry and red raspberry. Medium bodied, smooth taste with firm but supple tannins. The right acidity extends the persistence of taste and enhances the flavor.
Castello di Farnetella Chianti Colli Senesi 2021 $22 Rich ruby red with purplish highlights. Fruity on the nose, with aromas of wild red berryfruit and notes of anise and sweet liquorice (classic to the Sangiovese of this area), well melded into subtle nuances of spice. Velvety mouthfeel, with a finish laced with aromatic fruit and delicate vanilla.
Castello della Panteretta Chianti Classico 2020 $23 Notes of toasted cedar, ground spices, walnuts and stones with ripe red and dark berries in the background. Medium- to full-bodied, a little tight with toasted oak and nut shell character. Tannins are polished and fine. Lightly chewy at the end.
Bonus:
Pagliarese Chianti Classico 2020 $25
Casa Emma 2020 Chianti Classico $26
Felsina Chianti Classico 2020 $32
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