Chianti is a representative Italian wine. Chianti is famous all over the world, but because it is produced in a wide area, there are many wineries, and there is a wide range of flavors, it can be a difficult wine to choose. Therefore, we will introduce recommended Chianti, including its charms and differences.
What is Chianti?
Chianti is a red wine produced in the Chianti region of Tuscany in central Italy. There is not an administrative region called "Chianti", but the region where the wine named "Chianti" is produced is called as such.
The Chianti region includes the Chianti and Chianti Classico regions, where Chianti and Chianti Classico wines are produced, respectively.
``Classico'' in Chianti Classico literally means ``traditional'' and is literally a historic district. In 1716, Cosimo III, Grand Duke of Tuscany, designated the wine region between Florence and Siena as Chianti. Then, in the 20th century, wine production increased and Chianti wine began to be produced in the areas surrounding Chianti. Therefore, it was decided to distinguish the original Chianti production area as ``Chianti Classico'' and the area around it as ``Chianti.''
Both Chianti and Chianti Classico are DOCG (Designation of Origin Guaranteed), the top of the Italian wine classification pyramid. This DOCG has clear regulations, and unless a wine complies with these regulations, it cannot be called DOCG.
Each DOCG has different regulations. The main grape variety is Sangiovese, but Chianti must use at least 70% Sangiovese, and Chianti Classico must use at least 80% Sangiovese. The remaining 30% or 20% can be blended with other grapes, either indigenous Tuscan varieties like Canaiolo or international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Chianti is also allowed to be blended with white grapes, but Chianti Classico is not allowed to be blended with white grapes, only black grapes are used. However, the grapes must be grown in the Chianti region for Chianti, and in the Chianti Classico region for Chianti Classico.
The aging period also differs; Chianti must be aged for 3 to 9 months starting from the January following the year of harvest, while Chianti Classico must be aged for 10 months starting from January following the year of harvest. not.
It's confusing because both Chianti and Chianti Classico are sometimes called "Chianti," but you can tell them apart because the Chianti Classico bottle has a black rooster symbol on it. The black rooster, known as the Gallo Nero, was the symbol of the medieval Florentine army. The Gallo Nero painted by Giorgio Vasari remains on the ceiling of the Hall of the Five Hundred in the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's city hall. This black rooster symbol is the logo of the Chianti Classico Association and can be found on the neck or back of every Chianti Classico bottle.
The taste and charm of Chianti
The Chianti and Chianti Classico regions are hilly, with vineyards located on sunny slopes. It is also an area with a lot of nature remaining, and there are extensive forests. The landscape of Tuscany is one of rolling hills with cypress trees stretching toward the blue sky, greenery, and the sun. The wine has a flavor that reflects the region.
The Sangiovese grown in this area has a violet-like floral aroma, plenty of berry fruit nuances, and a clean acidity.
Because Chianti is aged for a short period of time, the acidity of Sangiovese is more pronounced, and the wine has a charming youthful fruit flavor.
Chianti Classico has a smooth taste with hints of riper fruit.
Additionally, Chianti and Chianti Classico each have their own ``Riserva'' class, which has a longer aging period. Because the aging period is one year longer, this wine has a firmer body structure, and you can also feel the spice aroma derived from barrel aging.
Additionally, Chianti Classico has a tier of Gran Selezione. This is the highest grade, which undergoes 30 months of aging. The taste will also be strong, rigorous, and elegant.
Chianti and Chianti Classico are spread over a wide area, so the taste varies depending on the region. Chianti is divided into seven zones. The most representative zones are Chianti Rufina in the north, Chianti Colli Fiorentini in the center, and Chianti Colli Senesi in the south. The cool climate Chianti Rufina is characterized by acidity and is a wine that can be aged for a long time. Chianti Colli Fiorentini, which is mainly produced in Florence, has a fruity flavor that is easy to approach. Chianti Colli Senesi has a sun-kissed feel and a riper fruit flavor.
Chianti Classico spans eight cities, four of which are Castellina in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, and Radda in Chianti, which cover the entire city. It is in the Chianti Classico area. The Chianti Classico produced in these four cities is an elegant wine with a gorgeous aroma and mineral notes.
There is a wide range of flavors, but the charm of Chianti is that they all have a "Chianti-ness", that is, you can feel the land of Chianti.
Foods that go well with Chianti wine
In the Chianti region, there has been a tradition of enjoying wine and food together for a long time. Wine was always on the table at meals. That hasn't changed even today. The fruity and sour taste will make your meal even more delicious. This is a food-friendly wine that will accompany your meal without interfering with it.
Locally, pasta with meat sauce, roasted pork, grilled beef, stewed game, salami and cheese are commonly eaten dishes and are often paired with them.
However, both Chianti and Chianti Classico actually go well with Japanese food. Chianti wine's fruit flavor and acidity are perfect for the taste of dashi, soy sauce, sauce, and sugar. Yakiniku and tuna fish are the perfect combination.
You can also use Charming Chianti for daily meals, Chianti Classico for slightly more elaborate dishes, and Riserva or Gran Selezione for special dishes.
Chianti wine is perfect for any occasion. Please choose according to your preference.
Recommended Chianti wine
Here we will introduce recommended Chianti and Chianti Classico.
First up, Chianti. "Alpa" Chianti is a wine produced by the Salvatore Ferragamo family, a leading Italian fashion brand.
Although it is charming, it has an elegance as you would expect from a wine from the Ferragamo family. Soft on the palate, with a good balance of berry fruit and tannins. Alpa means harp in Italian, and you can enjoy drinking it just like the sound of a harp. This is a wine that you can enjoy with an elegant taste every day.
For Chianti Classico, we recommend the Chianti Classico from Mazzei Fontelutoli. This wine comes from the Mazzei family, an aristocratic family that has been making wine since the Middle Ages.
It has nuances of black fruit such as blackberries and spice, and is concentrated. You can enjoy wine even more by pairing it with meat dishes.
The Riserva is Chianti Classico Riserva from Marchese Antinori. This Riserva is produced by the prestigious Count Antinori family. The nuances of red fruit are gorgeous, with aromas of vanilla and tobacco. The tannins are soft, the finish is long, and the flavor is rich and mellow.
Chianti is diverse. It's a wine that fascinates me the more I drink it. Please try incorporating it into your daily life.
