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What Is Italian Chianti?

What Is Italian Chianti?

Chianti is a light-bodied red wine produced from Sangiovese grapes. Distinguished by its vibrant red hue and fruity notes of cherry or blackberry, Chianti boasts furry tannins with elegant acidity for an unparalleled wine drinking experience.


Chianti region wines are well known throughout Italy for their fruity sweetness and savory depth of flavor, best enjoyed with cheese or salty snacks.


It’s not sweet


Chianti is a classic Italian red wine produced from sangiovese grapes, typically blended together. It is noted for its lively acidity, transparent ruby hue, flavors such as black cherry and red cherry along with herbs, spice and violet accents as well as moderate tannins and structure that only gets better with age.


Chianti wine must be produced in Tuscany and must contain at least 80% Sangiovese grapes; although in the past some use of white grapes was allowed, but this practice is no longer permitted.


Poggerino's riserva stands out with its complex profile and velvety red fruit; an ideal example of Chianti Classico winemaking. Mocha-scented aromatics lead into vibrant red-fruit notes with forest floor undertones for an impressive finish that pairs perfectly with grilled meat dishes, rich pastas and cheese boards - or for that matter tomato-based Italian dishes or mushrooms!


It’s not dry


Chianti is a dry wine, though its sweet side can sometimes come through. With its vibrant, vibrant red color and refreshing acidity, this varietal often displays notes of black cherry and plum. Strawberry, spice and earth are often also present; making Chianti an ideal companion with many cuisines.


Chianti wine ranges in sweetness depending on when and how ripe its grapes were harvested, as well as whether or not an additional sugar addition was made by its winemaker, from mildly sweet to very dry; its body can range from full-bodied to medium-bodied; those aged in barrels tend to possess greater complexity and higher tannin levels than non-aged wines.


Chianti wine at its best can be defined by succulent cherry flavors when young, becoming aged with soft leathery notes after 10 years or so. Chianti pairs perfectly with red meat dishes like steak or lamb chops as well as hearty pasta dishes or even kebabs on a barbecue grill, and cheese platters alike.


It’s not fruity


Chianti is an elegant bone-dry wine produced in Tuscany from the Sangiovese grape, famous for its romantic vineyards and tantalizing flavor. Boasting mouthwatering acidity and an inviting red hue with notes of berry fruits, dried herbs and spices; Chianti makes an ideal wine to pair with any special event or special meal.


Chianti Classico wines are known to be soft, light-bodied wines with concentrated wild strawberry and floral aromas, perfectly balanced by soft tannins and vibrant acidity. This makes them great for pairing with food such as meat dishes or grilled vegetables.


Sangiovese grape varieties have gained increasing prominence as an alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon in California. While some winemakers attempt to craft sangiovese wines similar to its Italian counterpart, others add other grape varieties such as cabernet sauvignon, merlot, zinfandel and petite verdot to create different flavor profiles and make wines easier for marketing purposes. Although traditionalists may object, this approach is an effective way of diversifying flavor profiles while increasing marketability of wines.


It’s not spicy


Chianti Classico is an exceptional wine, suitable for pairing with almost every dish imaginable - pasta with tomato-based sauces, mushroom dishes and cured meats, even pizza! Thanks to its medium-bodied structure, it makes an ideal accompaniment.


Taste variations depend on grape variety, vineyard location and time spent aging; flavour profiles may range from fruity cherry and plum to earthier notes of dried herb, violet and spice notes.


Chianti is an Italian red wine typically composed of Sangiovese grape varieties as well as others grown locally, known for its tart acidity, soft tannins and moderate alcohol content. Chianti wines typically age in new oak barrels to add vanilla and cinnamon notes before being served at room temperature - smooth yet fruity when enjoyed at an ideal temperature; for maximum enjoyment it should be allowed to breathe before drinking to allow its flavors to emerge gradually; alternatively you could opt for one aged for 10 years or longer instead.

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What makes a wine a real Cellar Classic? From time to time we find ourselves marvelling at the creativity of the wine grower we always look to enrich our taste buds with something rather remarkable and share this with you.