Referred to as one of the best Italian wines, Chiantis are a palate-pleasing, easy-drinking addition to your red wine collection. However this familiar choice is more than simply a simple sip. A bottle of Chianti can raise a weeknight supper, and even function as a celebratory drink throughout the holidays or a party.
But what’s the difference in between a Sangiovese, Chianti and Chianti Classico? We have actually got the answers, plus a rundown of the best Chianti wines to drink right now.
What Is Chianti White wine?
Chianti is a region in central Italy within Tuscany that produces wines mainly from the black grape variety Sangiovese. Though Sangiovese is typically the dominant grape variety in Chianti red wines, they are often blended with percentages of other black (or red white wine) grapes. Chianti red wines are labeled based upon where they are grown within the region.
Chianti Denominazione di Origine Controllata E Garantita (DOCG) are wines that typically do not age well and have simple, straightforward flavors. They grow in a broad geographical variety in the foothills of the Apennine Mountains.
Chianti Classico DOCG are red wines made with grapes grown in historical, designated areas within the Chianti area. This fruit grows at a higher elevation than those in DOCG white wines, producing a more complicated red fruit taste and herb-forward fragrance. Chianti Classico wine may mature and establish additional tastes in the barrel and the bottle. These bottles are generally labeled with an emblem of a black rooster and include at least 80% Sangiovese grapes.
Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG white wines have a more complicated taste due to their strict aging requirements of a minimum of 2 years, a minimum of 3 months of which must be in bottles.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. Grapes need to be grown by the winery itself, and the red wine must be aged for a minimum of 2.5 years, a minimum of three months of which should remain in bottles.
What Does Chianti Taste Like?
The flavor of Chianti white wines differs based on the grape ranges, vineyard location and time spent aging. They frequently bring high acidity and a refreshing flavor profile to each glass. It’s a dry, red wine with flavors that range from red fruits and dried herbs, to violet and spice. The longer the red wine ages, the final product becomes more complicated as more notes of leather and menthol poke through.
Of course, there’s still plenty more to find out about Chianti. For a lot more in-depth rundown, have a look at our Beginner’s Guide to Chianti and Chianti Classico.
The 10 Finest Chianti White Wines to Purchase
All set to begin drinking? We tapped Red wine Lover’s Tasting Department for their choices, from one of the most standard to the leading Chianti Classicos on the marketplace right now.
95 Points Red Wine Lover
This mouthwatering, full-bodied red opens with inviting scents of brand-new leather, wild berries, truffle and blue flowers. Sleek and delicious, the juicy palate doles out raspberry compote, mature Marasca cherry, baking spice and mocha. Fine-grained, enveloping tannins supply seamless support. Drink through 2027. Editors’ Option.– Kerin O’Keefe
$18
Vivino
95 Points Red Wine Lover
Smooth and delicious, this engaging red deals delicately enticing aromas of dark-skinned fruit, pressed rose, violet and cedar. Boasting layers of flavor, the smooth palate is all about skill, providing ripe plum, spiced berries, licorice and crushed mint before a mocha close. Velvety tannins and fresh acidity provide smooth assistance and balance. Drink 2023– 2033. — K.O.
$56
Wine-Searcher
92 Points White Wine Enthusiast
Camphor, blue flower, leather and berry fragrances concern the forefront. Classy and tasty, the linear, refined palate provides juicy red cherry, orange passion and star anise set against taut, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2024– 2029. Best Purchase.– K.O.
$47
Vivino
88 Points White Wine Lover
The nose of this timeless expression of Chianti is simple to enjoy, with cherry-strawberry fruit leather and a whisper of fennel fronds. More red berries come out on the palate, together with orange peels and spices. If the tannins are perhaps a little too forgiving, they only guarantee an instantly satisfying pour. Finest Purchase.– Danielle Callegari
$20
Vivino
91 Points Wine Enthusiast
Made with dried Sangiovese (80%), Trebbiano (10%) and Malvasia Toscana (10%), this opens with scents of candied orange passion, maple syrup and dried fig. The focused, smooth taste buds offers eucalyptus, honey, black cherry jam and toasted almond that continue to the long surface. — K.O.
$80
Wine-Searcher
96 Points White Wine Enthusiast
Radiant and scrumptious, this gorgeous red is for Sangiovese purists and fans of terroir-driven finesse. It opens with enticing scents of forest berries, violet and camphor, and the stylish, savory taste buds delivers crushed raspberry, ripe Morello cherry, star anise and white pepper prior to a minty surface. Taut, refined tannins and fresh acidity offer impressive balance and focus. Made with naturally farmed grapes grown in the town of Radda, it’s simply sensational. Consume 2024– 2034. Editor’s Option– K.O.
$41
Wine-Searcher
91 Points Wine Enthusiast
Made with naturally farmed grapes, this has vinous fragrances of just pressed grapes, ground cloves and blue flowers. The medium-bodied palate uses Morello cherry, star anise and mocha together with sleek tannins. Drink through 2024.– K.O.
$30
Vivino
95 Points Wine Lover
Made with organically grown Sangiovese and a small portion of naturally farmed Canaiolo, this lovely red opens with fragrances of forest flooring, new leather and violet. It was fermented with native yeasts and without temperature level control, resulting in an elegant taste buds boasting a pristine quality in addition to character and providing juicy red cherry, raspberry, crushed mint and truffle prior to closing on a licorice note. Tightly knit, fine-tuned tannins and fresh level of acidity keep it healthy and energized. Consume 2024– 2034. Cellar Choice– K.O.
$28
Vivino
91 Points Wine Lover
Easygoing and pleasurable, this has quite aromas of violet, eucalyptus and wild berry. The smooth palate boasts ripe raspberry, juicy black cherry and star anise accompanied by pliant, sleek tannins. Consume through 2024. Editors’ Choice.— K.O.
$18
Vivino
91 Points Red Wine Lover
Subtle fragrances remembering ripe wild berries and dark spice with a whiff of new leather form the delicate nose. On the smooth, medium-bodied palate, sleek tannins accompany ripe Morello cherry, espresso and ground clove. — K.O.
$23
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Is Chianti Sweet or Dry?
Chianti wine is produced as a dry range of wine, however every bottle varies somewhat in taste and aroma.
What Grape Varieties Make Chianti?
Chianti wine is generally made from at least 80% Sangiovese grapes, among main Tuscany’s essential grape varieties. They are in some cases blended with small amounts of other red wine grapes.
What Are the Four Levels of Chianti?
Fundamental Chianti white wines are bottled young and have basic, straightforward tastes. Chianti Classico white wines originate from defined districts within the Chianti region and are aged for a minimum of 12 months before release. White wines labeled as Chianti Classico Riserva are aged for a minimum of 24 months and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione red wines are aged for at least 30 months.
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Published on December 8, 2022