In the world of viticulture, body refers to the weight and richness of a wine on your palate—an essential element that can either elevate or diminish your tasting experience. Yet when it comes to Chianti, perceptions can vary widely among connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.
It is a type of Italian red wine produced in the Chianti region of central Tuscany, primarily from the Sangiovese grape. Chianti is known for its bright acidity and flavors of cherry and plum. Chianti is often associated with the straw basket and bottle wrapped in a straw basket, which is a traditional packaging method.
Key Takeaways
Chianti is a red wine made from Sangiovese grapes in Tuscanny
Only red wines made from 80 % Sangiovese grapes coming from the Chianti classico zone can be called Chianti classico.
You can identify Chianti classico red wines by a black rooster seal on the neck of the bottle.
Strict Chianti Classico regulations made wine makers introduce new varietals like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc
The resulting blends with the Sangiovese grape yielded the famous Supertuscans which are labelled as simple red wines as they are not compliant to Chianti Classico DOCG rules
Young chianti wines are leight to medium bodied wines.
The earliest documentation of a “Chianti wine” dates back to the 14th century. The first attempt to classify Chianti wine came in 1427, when Florence developed a tariff system for the wines of the surrounding countryside.
In the 19th century, Baron Bettino Ricasoli helped establish Sangiovese as the blend’s dominant grape variety.
Chianti is classified as a DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) wine, which is the highest classification for Italian wines.
Chianti Subregions and Production Methods
The Chianti region covers a vast area of Tuscany and includes several overlapping DOC and DOCG regions. The Chianti Classico is a subregion of Chianti DOCG, known for its high-quality wines and traditional winemaking techniques.
Chianti Rufina is a subzone of Chianti DOCG, known for its high-quality wines and cooler climate. The Chianti Colli Senesi is a subzone of Chianti DOCG, located in the hills surrounding Siena, known for its fruit-forward and approachable wines.
Characteristics of Chianti Wines
Chianti wines are known for their bright acidity and flavors of cherry and plum. Chianti wines are typically medium-bodied, with a tannic structure that lends itself to aging.
These red wines can range in style from light and fruity to full-bodied and complex. Chianti wines are often described as having a “transparent ruby hue” and a “mouthwatering acidity”.
Food Pairings for Chianti
Chianti pairs well with many foods, particularly those of Italian origin, due to its balance of earthy flavors, high tannins, and high acidity. It is often paired with hearty Italian food, strong-tasting lamb or poultry, and is also known as an ideal wine to pair with pizza. Chianti is not ideal for lighter dishes, particularly those involving seafood.
Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile
Chianti is prepared from 75-100% Sangiovese grapes, with any additional grapes being Canaiolo or other approved red grape varieties. This red Chianti is high in tannins and is usually oaked for several months, resulting in a medium-bodied wine with earthy and rustic aromas. Chianti Classico wines are known to be soft, light-bodied wines with concentrated wild strawberry and floral aromas.
Tenuta il Palagio Chianti wines
Tenuta del Palagio is not just a vineyard; it’s a symphony of flavors that resonates with the heart and soul of Tuscany. Known for its Chianti wines, this estate has become synonymous with artistry in winemaking, drawing inspiration from its illustrious owner, Sting.
The chianti wines from the Tenuta il Palagio are not marketed as chianti classico wines as they`re located outside the Chianti Classico region.
The names of the wines are inspired by his song titles. Starting with the When We Dance Chianti Classico which is a good example of an easy to drink red wine with fine chianti classico aromas of cherry, red fruit and a good body.
We recommend to drink it 2-3 years after bottling to give it enough time to develop.
The estate’s Message in a Bottle offers is also a chianti classico as it`s 100 % sangiovese based. It offers a fuller body, heavier earthy and leather notes than the When we Dance chianti classico. Similar to the When we dance wine let it rest for 2-3 years before enjoying this chianti wine.
Supertuscans vs Chianti Classico DOCG
Chianti Classico and Supertuscans represent two fascinating facets of Tuscan winemaking, each with its own identity shaped by tradition and innovation.
Chianti Classico DOCG
The Chianti Classico strictly adheres to an age-old set of regulations that dictate grape composition, aging requirements, and geographical boundaries—essentially a wine that speaks to the heart of Tuscany’s rich viticultural heritage. At its core is the Sangiovese grape, often blended with other traditional varieties like Canaiolo or Colorino to create a beautifully balanced vino that reflects its terroir. The hallmark notes of cherry, leather, and earthy minerals found in Chianti Classico evoke images of rolling hills dotted with cypress trees under the Tuscan sun.
What sets Brunello apart is not just its aging requirements—five years minimum for regular bottlings and even longer for Riservas—but also the meticulous stewardship of vineyards that nurture vines often older than half a century. This dedication results in wines brimming with complex notes of cherry, leather, and earth that evolve beautifully over time.
Supertuscans
In contrast, Supertuscans emerge from a rebellious spirit among certain vintners who sought more freedom from the restrictions governing Chianti production.
Cabernet Sauvignon vs Sangiovese grape
These wines are typically blends featuring international varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot—grapes not traditionally associated with Tuscany—which allows winemakers to express modern interpretations while maintaining a strong sense of place. This dynamic fusion often yields wines that are bold and richly layered, capturing attention on global stages for their complexity and depth. While both styles celebrate Tuscany’s unique landscape, Supertuscans invite adventurous palates to immerse themselves in an expansive narrative that stretches beyond tradition into uncharted vinous territories.
Serving and Storage Tips
Chianti should be served at a temperature of around 60-65°F (15-18°C). It can be stored for several years, but it is best consumed within 2-5 years of release.
Chianti should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources like all wines. We recommend a wine cellar or a wine fridge.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine drinker or just starting to explore the world of wine, Chianti is definitely worth trying.
ChristinaDay
Hi, my name is Christina Day, and I am a self-proclaimed wine connoisseur. It is my favorite alcoholic drink, and I enjoy nothing better than kicking back on the sofa after a long week of work to enjoy a glass of wine… or two!
