Why did Chianti have such a bad image until recently?
One reason was the little straw-covered flasks (fiaschi) that the wine was bottled in—nice until restaurants hung the bottles from the ceiling next to the bar, along with the sausage and the provolone, or made them into candle holders for the table. So Chianti developed an image as a cheap little red wine to be bought for five dollars a jug. My own feeling is that Chianti Classico Riserva is one of the best values in Italian wine today.
What are the different levels of Chianti
Chianti ($)—The first level.
Chianti Classico ($$)—From the inner historic district of Chianti.
Chianti Classico Riserva ($$$$)—From a Classico area, and must be aged for a minimum of two years, three months.
How should I buy Chianti?
First of all, find the style of Chianti you like best. There is a considerable variation in Chianti styles. Second, always buy from a shipper or producer whom you know—one with a good, reliable reputation. Some quality Chianti producers are:
Antinori
Frescobaldi
Badia a Coltibuono
Melini
Brolio
Monsanto
Castello Banfi
Nozzole
Castello di Ama
Ricasoli
Fontodi
Ruffino
Best bets for wines from Tuscany
1997**
1999**
2001*
2003*
2004*
2005*
2006**
2007*
* signifies exceptional vintage
** signifies extraordinary vintage
The above post appears in the 2009 edition of the Windows on the World Complete Wine Course by Kevin Zraly, available in bookstores now. Look for the 25th anniversary edition in Fall of 2009. The Windows on the World Complete Wine Course is the world's best-selling, most highly praised wine book.
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Comments: 4
How true! The image of the bottle with a a dusty candle suck in it is a common one. Thanks for the advice, I sometimes buy a chianti to accompany a classic Italian meal.
I love learning about wine. Thanks for covering Chianti. I seldom order it, but do enjoy it.
I don't think I ever got that impression of Chianti. My first recollection of having heard of it was from Silence of the Lambs (not necessarily the best first impression!). I visited Italy in 2000 and really enjoyed the Chiantis I had there.
In Pennsylvania, choice of wines in the stores is not the best, but I can get Ruffino there, so it's my default first choice.
It isn't a wine choice for me, but after reading your post, I may re-consider. Thanx for this very informative post!