Sangiovese Wines Or Chianti

Chianti Districts

There are many districts in Tuscany that make sangiovese wines or Chianti. If you look at the map above, you see how confusing it is. The basics are as follows. The red and blue areas are reserved for the best. Therefore, they are called Chianti Classico. Then, the remaining areas are named for the towns near them. For example, Chianti made near Siena is called Chianti Colli Senesi. There are very strict laws regarding grape percentages that need to be followed. Originally, Chianti needed to be at least 70% sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo Nero and 15% Malvasia Bianca. Today, it is legal to make Chianti with as much as 100% sangiovese grapes. Therefore, each winery has it’s own formula now. Pronounce it sahn-gee-oh-VAY-zay.

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My favorite Chianti Classico is Monsanto.Also, I love many others including Dievole, San Felice and Fonterutoli. If you refer back to the map, you see an area called Rufina. They are allowed to use non-traditional grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon in their blends. Because, they are grandfathered due to using them in the past. It is surprising how a little Cabernet changes the taste. Chianti Rufina wines are difficult to find. My favorite is by Frescobaldi. It is called Nippozano Chianti Riserva. Also, Carmignano within the Prato district is grandfathered. And, they make great wines as well. Both are labelled as riserva, which means the wine is aged in bottle longer than basic Chianti.

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Other Areas For Sangiovese Wines Or Chianti

Be on the lookout for Chiantis from the Maremma and Morellino di Scansano districts. There are many districts that make sangiovese wines. These are the ones to highlight besides those in the Chianti districts. Here are the differences. Morellino is a minimum of 85% sangiovese, whereas Maremma is a minimum of 70% sangiovese. This grape is grown in other regions of Italy, but in insignificant amounts. It has many clones. However, two are very important. And, I will discuss them in a separate post. Be on the lookout for my posts for Brunello and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

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What a Fiasco!

Are you old enough to remember when most Chianti was made with a straw bottom? It is called a fiasco. Many years ago, Chianti was considered a cheap table wine. It gained great popularity due to it’s low cost and light character. I love the catchy straw bottom! Opici makes it to this day.

Aromas and Tastes

Sangiovese wines offer a wide range of tastes from earthy and rustic to fruity. And, they taste like everything in between. Sangiovese shows hints of flowers, herbs and leather. Fruity wines taste like cherries. It has an acidic, mouthwatering, tannic and dry finish. Add the districts of Carmignano and Rufina where they can blend non-traditional grapes. Then, it gets more confusing. However, choosing is made easy. The price is your guide. The lighter and fruitier versions cost around $10-$12. And, the more rustic ones are a minimum of $15. This includes all Chianti Classico wines. If you find Rufina or Carmignano versions, they are a minimum of $15 as well. Try them to see how they differ.

Pairings For Sangiovese Wines Chianti

Eat pasta and pizza with lighter and fruitier versions. Try Italian appetizers with Chianti Classico such as hard cheeses like Asiago, roasted peppers, and fresh olives. Also, sliced meats like sopressata and prosciutto pair well. In addition, it goes well with meaty sauces like Bolognese or wild boar sauce. Wild boar sauce is common in Tuscany. You will find it on menus of top Italian restaurants. It is delicious! Also, eat roasted pork and grilled veggies. Almost any dish in an Italian restaurant pairs well.

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