Designations and production
Chianti Classico is a Tuscan red wine of which there are three types: Chianti Classico DOCG, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG. This wine is produced in the Tuscan provinces of San Casciano Val Di Pesa, Castellina in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, Radda in Chianti and Castelnuovo Berardenga. Chianti has become a symbolic wine of Tuscany, and today it is one of the most recognised wines for quality and excellence.
Grape varieties and production
Chianti wine is produced by the vinification of a minimum of 75% Sangiovese grapes plus a maximum of 25% of other red grape varieties. The Sangiovese grape variety has ancient origins, probably dating back to Etruscan times. The earliest written evidence refers to a League, made up of the municipalities of Gaiole, Radda and Castellina, which controlled trade with Florence and had a black rooster as its symbol. From these three municipalities (plus those of Casciano Tavernelle, Greve, Barberino, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Poggibonsi) came the designation Chianti Classico, the symbol of which is indeed a black rooster.
Tasting profile
The tasting profile of Chianti is as follows. Intense ruby red in colour, leaning towards garnet, this wine has intense hints of cherry, blackberry and undergrowth. Its flavour is harmonious, savoury, with good tannins, and its structure is not overly full-bodied, making it a particularly versatile and fresh wine. When aged in wood, this wine can acquire spicy aromas, such as black pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon, but also tobacco, cocoa, liquorice and undergrowth.
Pairings with Chianti Classico
Chianti is a perfect red table wine, because it pairs perfectly with structured dishes, especially meat dishes such as a classic Florentine steak or ad roasted game and venison. If you are a fan of pasta and rice dishes, try it with pici with Chianina beef ragù or white bean soup. This red wine can also be paired with various cheeses, as long as they are not too pungent. Its ideal serving temperature is between 16 and 18°C.