Chianti Classico - A Tasting

 There was a time when mentioning "Chianti" conjured up images of cheap red wine in large round bottles with straw casings, otherwise known as "fiaschi".  In my latest class, one of the objectives was to disabuse students of any such notions, and instead focus on Chianti Classico, and feature several iterations of this highly renowned toast of Tuscany.  We sampled Classicos from a variety of producers and subzones of the DOCG, and discovered the wide and diverse range of taste profiles that grace the Sangiovese-based wines from the rolling hills of central Italy whose history and traditions date back many centuries.  

I invite you to examine or re-examine the delights of this preeminent wine region which has seen a great renaissance of style and quality in the new millenium.

(All wines were purchased at Total Wine in Claymont Delaware, except the Cafaggios and the Clememente VII which were Chairman Select wines at the 11th and Chestnut Pa. store in Philadelphia.)

Tenuta di Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 ($22)

    

Origin:  Chianti Classico DOCG (Denominazione d'Origine Controllata e Garantita) Riserva

UGA Subzone: Greve in Chianti

Varietal: 100% Sangiovese

Production/Tasting Notes: Maceration with délestage and racking in stainless steel vats for about 20 days; malolactic fermentation; 24 months aging in French oak barriques; 3 months bottle aging; ripe, red berry and cherry aromas and flavors; lavender; violet; mid-weight texture;  earthy undertones; vibrant, fresh acidity with a backbone of firm, sleek tannins; lingering finish. (93 points, James Suckling).

Food Pairing: grilled meat; pasta

Alcohol:14%

 

Baruffo Cantalici Chianti Classico Riserva 2018 ($25)

    

Origin: Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva

UGA Subzone: Gaiole in Chianti

Varietals: 100% Sangiovese

Production/Tasting Notes: Hand harvested grapes; cold maceration, fermentation in stainless steel; 18 months (70%)  aging in French oak barrels; notes of berries, ripe plums, spice, tobacco and chocolate on the nose; soft, immediate opening on the palate with red fruit and rich, rigorous tannins; cherry and spice on the finish.

Food  Pairings: Roast game; fiorentina steak; pasta

Alcohol: 14.5%

 

           

 Castellare di Castellina Chianti Classico 2021 ($28)

    

Origin: Chianti Classico DOCG

UGA Subzone: Castellina in Chianti

Varietal: 95% Sangiovese; 5% Canaiolo

Production/Tasting Notes: 7 days maceration with racking and pumpovers;14 months aging in barriques; 7 months bottle aging; fragrant, fresh aromas of red fruit, licorice, currant; hint of vanilla, cedar spice; soft, round, flavorful on the palate; persistent acidity on the finish. (89 points, Wine Enthusiast)

Food Pairing: medium-aged cheeses; lasagna; ragu' sauces; roast rabbit; braised veal shank

Alcohol:  13.5%

 

Castelli Del Grevepesa Clemente VIII Chianti Classico 2019 ($13; retail $25)

    

Origin: Chianti Classico DOCG

UGA Subzone: San Casciano

Varietal: 100% Sangiovese

Production/Tasting Notes: Cherry, plum fruit; vibrant acidity; ripe tannins; herbal notes of thyme, fresh oregano; spice, tobacco; velvety; lingering finishing; (90 points, Wine Spectator)

Alcohol: 14%

 

 S. Andrea in Colle Chianti Classico Riserva 2020 ($24)

    

Origin: Chianti Classico DOCG

UGA Subzone: San Cascino

Varietal: 100% Sangiovese

Production/Tasting Notes: fermentation up to 15 days; 24 months aging in French oak; medium-bodied; intense aromas of violet flowers, red berries; rich bing cherry flavor; white rose; vanilla; hints of spice and leather; complex, smooth.

Food Pairing: grilled or roasted meats; pasta with red sauce

Alcohol: 14%

 

Tenuta di Renierei Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 ($27)

    

Origin: Chianti Classico DOCG

UGA Subzone: Castelnuovo Berardenga

Varietals: 100% Sangiovese

Production/Tasting Notes: Made with organic grapes; 18 months aging in Allier oak barriques; "[F]ruity nose of peaches, plums, lemons, tea leaves, seaweed; vibrant, racy, medium bodied; tight-grained tannins and crunchy acidity. Salty undertones". - James Suckling, 93 pts.

"Spicy aromas of wild berries, ripe cherry, licorice and herbs with silky texture."  (Producer/label notes.)

Food Pairing: pasta with red sauce; grilled pork; hard cheeses

Alcohol: 14.5%

 

Cafaggio Basilica Solatio Chianti Classico Riserva 2015 ($20; retail $50)

    

Origin: Chianti Classico DOCG

UGA Subzone: Greve in Chianti

Varietal: 100% Sangiovese

Production/Tasting Notes: 24 months aging in Slovenian oak barrels; 6 months bottle aging; black cherry, plum, wild rosemary,thyme; measured, balance; soft, exuberant fruit; soft integrated tannins; fleshy, fruity finish. (92 points, Wine Spectator; 93 points Wine Advocate)

Food Pairing: mushroom risotto; slow cooked pork belly

Alcohol: 14%

 

Cafaggio Basilica Solatio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2017 ($20; retail $50)

    

Origin: Chianti Classico DOCG

UGA Subzone: Panzano in Chianti

Varietals: 85% Sangiovese; 15% Cabernet Sauvignon

Production/Tasting Notes: 18 months aging in French oak barriques; 12 months in glass-lined concrete vats; 6 months bottle aging before release; organic grapes; concentrated; "dense matrix of tannins"; blackberry, black currant, plum, tobacco flavors; lingering finish. (94 points, Wine Spectator; 92 points Wine Advocate)

Food Pairing: grilled steak or lamb

Alcohol: 14%

Factoids about Chianti Classico

·       The Classico region between Florence and Siena was defined in 1306 by the Lega del Chianti.

·       The Gallo Nero (black rooster) was selected by the Chianti League as its symbol in 1384.

·       In 1938, the association known as the Comissionaria Industria Fiaschi for the manufacture of fiaschi (straw-wrapped bottles) is created in Empoli. Fiaschi are not permitted for riserva or gran selezione selections.

·       Chianti earns DOC status in 1967, and DOCG status in 1984.

·       In 2014, the Consorzio Vino Classico introduces the gran selezione category, the highest quality from estate-grown grapes for Chianti Classico wines.

·       UGAs (Unita' Geografiche Aggiuntive) are approved by the Consorzio Vino Classico in 2021.  Currently, there are 11 such subzones.

·       There are 3 quality levels within the DOCG: Gran Selezione (5%), Riserva (38%) and Annata (57%). Aging requirements are 30 months, 24 months and 12 months, respectively. Minimum Sangiovese percentages are 90, 80 and 80, respectively.

·       47 different varietals (all red) may comprise up to 20% of the blend.

·       Sangiovese is the most widely planted grape in Italy, mostly in Tuscany

·       Sangiovese comes from the Latin saguis Jovis, meaning "blood of Jove". Other monikers include: Brunello, Prugnolo Gentile, Niellucio, Sangioveto, Morellino.  

 For more information on Chianti Classico, please see the following pictograms from the October 21, 2022 issue of the Wine Spectator: