If you enjoy wine from Italy or want to get stuck into it, you may have come across wines labelled Chianti. The labels don’t normally have that much information on them other than the DOC/DOCG rating, the winery and maybe a picture. So how are you meant to know what wine you’re drinking? What is Chianti?
In Australia, our labels will tell us the wine variety so we know what we’re drinking. But this is something that is not as popular in the older wine regions of the world, especially France. Italy is also like this, and so many of their wines will not have details about the wine variety you’re drinking. So how do you know what it is? Let’s dive into the ins and outs of this wine so you can purchase with confidence!
Where does Chianti get its name?
You may have heard of this wine, but what does it mean? Well, like most wines made in the old world, its name comes from the region it’s made in, not the grape used to make the wine. So these wines are not made using Chianti grapes but are from the Chianti region in Italy.
If you haven’t heard of Chianti before, you may have heard of where it is within: Tuscany aka the romanticized centre of Italy. Think olive oil, rolling hills, sweeping landscapes and so much amazing food history.
The region dates back to 1716 where the first Chianti wine zone was demarcated. It is now known as Chianti Classico. But now, the production zones fall around Florence in the north, Siena in the south, Arezzo in the east and Pisa in the west. This region was protected by a DOC in 1967, and today is where you’ll find wines labelled Chianti.
So what is Chianti?
So if this wines name comes from a region, what is Chianti? Well, it may not surprise you to know that Chianti is made from Italy’s most popular grape variety: Sangiovese!
For Chianti to be a Chianti, it must be produced within the Chianti region and made up of at least 80% Sangiovese grapes. Most Chiantis are 100% Sangiovese, but some winemakers will blend a little Cabernet, Merlot or Syrah into their wine.
When looking for Chianti, you’re most likely to come across two versions: Chianti and Chianti Classico. Chianti wines can come from anywhere in the region, but Chianti Classico comes from the heart or the original region. These are denoted by a cute little black rooster on the label.
Flavour profile
Because this wine is one of the most popular Italian red wines around the world, there is a lot of it produced. However, this also means there is a huge range of Chiantis out there. You can pay anything from $10 a bottle to upwards of $50 a bottle. It used to be sold in classic bottles in a straw basket which you might have seen in movies. But Chianti has really evolved.
These wines are normally earthy and rustic with loads of tannin and acidity. Expect flavours of cherries and strawberries that are so classic to Sangiovese. You’ll also get dried herbs and in some espresso or sweet tobacco.
I read on Wine Folly that Chianti smells and tastes like Italy and I feel like this is the best description! It’s course and tart, but also delicious and perfect with food.
What to pair it with
So what to pair this classic Italian food wine with? Well, the great thing about this wine is that not only does it go well with classic Italian food, it also goes well with most foods! The acidity cuts through fatty dishes and stands up to tomato, and the tannins make it ideal with meat or olive oil-based dishes. It’s a foodies dream!
You can’t go wrong pairing it with classic Italian food like pizza and pasta. But realistically you can pair it with most foods and have a great pairing! This is what I love about Sangiovese – you don’t have to think too much about it. Just enjoy with some delicious food!
In summary: It is just Sangiovese!
So next time you’re on the hunt for great food wine and find yourself in the Italian wine section, check this wine out. It’s simply a Sangiovese in disguise!