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Songs by The Beatles.
Plays and poems by Shakespeare.
Paintings by Rembrandt.
Classics are classics for a reason.
Because they’re timeless and never go out of style.
They also often serve as the foundation for future masterpieces.
That’s because they often blazed new ground first.
So what does all of this have to do with wine?
This week, we’re focusing on Chianti Classico wines from Italy.
The word “classico” refers to these wines being “the first” or “the original.”
In general, Chianti Classico wines are considered a step above in terms of quality compared to Chianti wines in general. And that’s saying a lot since many Chianti wines are some of the best, affordable red wines in the world.
But that’s just the start. In order for a wine to be called a Chianti Classico, it has to abide by many other specific rules and regulations.
Below, you can learn all about these guidelines, as well as find tasting notes for four, terrific Chianti Classico wines from four, different recent vintages.
Hope you enjoy.
What is Chianti?
Chianti is a wine region located within the larger Italian wine region of Tuscany. Some people think that Chianti is a style of wine. And while it is true that many Chiantis have a similar, dry yet slightly fruity taste, any wine produced in Chianti can be called a Chianti.
I’ve written here before about the confusion many people have when it comes to American wines and wines from most European countries, especially Italy, France and Spain. In the United States, most wines are identified by their grape – Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, etc.
Elsewhere, many wines are identified by their location – Tuscany, Burgundy, Rioja, etc. And to make matters even more confusing, within Chianti there’s also a subregion named Chianti Classico, which you can read more about below.
What is Chianti Classico?
As briefly explained above, Chianti Classico refers to where the wine comes from in Italy. The Chianti Classico wine region is a smaller subregion located within the Chianti region of Italy. The Chianti Classico subregion is about 100 square miles and is located in between Florence and Siena.
There are also a few technical differences between Chianti wines and Chianti Classicos. Red wines from the Chianti Classico region must be at least 12 percent alcohol and must be aged for a minimum of 11 months in oak barrels. The vines used to make Chianti Classico wines must be at least four years old as well.
In addition, only certain grapes and minimum quantities of these grapes must be used to make Chianti Classico wines.
What grapes are used to make Chianti?
If you like Chianti red wines, odds are you love wines made with Sangiovese grapes. All Chianti red wines must be made with a minimum of 70 percent Sangiovese grapes.
The other grapes often used to make Chianti red wines include Canaiolo (up to 10 percent per Chianti or Chianti Classico) as well as a blend of several other grapes, including Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Trebbiano.
What grapes are used to make Chianti Classico?
In order for a wine to be classified as a Chianti Classico, it must contain at least 80 percent of Sangiovese grapes grown in Chianti Classico wine region. And like Chianti, the other grapes often used to make Chianti Classico wines often include Canaiolo, Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
What is a Chianti Classico Reserva Wine?
Reserved (riserva) Chianti Classico wines must meet all the requirements for Chianti Classico wines. In addition, they must also be aged at least 24 months before being bottled and released to the public.
Wine Tasting Notes
2022 Rocca Delle Macie Chianti Classico ($21.99 Suggested Retail Price)
Tasting notes: Starting with the youngest of the four Chianti Classico wines recommended this week, this full-bodied, intense red wine has a wide range bright berry fruit flavors, including hints of blackberry and raspberry. A truly delightful wine that will taste great for at least another 5 years.
2021 Castello Di Verrazzano Chianti Classico ($27.99 SRP)
Tasting notes: Another intense, vibrant red wine with wonderful blend of floral fruit flavors, including hints of cherry and blackberry. Similar to the first wine while also slightly smoother, this slightly older wine shows why these wines often get better with age.
2020 Vecchie Terre Di Montefili Chianti Classico ($34 SRP)
Tasting notes: The first of two wines from the same winery, this terrific red wine has a slightly earthy yet elegant finish. The flavors here range from hints of cranberry and cherry to spicier, pepper-like notes. Another refined wine that will taste great for another 5 years.
2019 Vecchie Terre Di Montefili Gran Selezione Chianti Classico ($39 SRP)
Tasting notes: The oldest wine recommended this week, this 5-year-old gem vividly displays why many Chianti Classicos have a great reputation for being elegant wines built to age gracefully for years. This regal red wine has a broad range of intense fruit flavors, including hints of cherry, plum and blackberry. There’s also dashes of cinnamon and pepper. A true classic ready to drink now or for at least another decade.
Cheers!
Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s Weekend section every Thursday.
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