Chianti

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. Chianti seems to be one of the first red wines many people drink for so many different reasons – most of which is our fascination with Italian food. Chianti is made in many different styles, today let’s learn about Chianti.

Chianti is a place in the region of Tuscany in Central Italy. In Tuscany there is a zone called Chianti which is where the famed wine comes from. You know - to many of us Chianti seems as though it must be ancient, when in fact it wasn’t created until the 1870’s. Traditionally Chianti was made in the sort of recipe that was for a blended wine made predominantly from Sangiovese – the primary red grape grown in Tuscany and blended with another red grape Canaiolo and about ten percent of the predominant white grapes of Tuscany, Trebbiano or Malvasia. But the rules have and are changing and many Chianti producers no longer add the white grapes. This has changed Chianti from the Light thin fruity wine of the past to some very deep intense wines. I think this is largely why the wines have become so diverse and interesting. The Italians make great Chianti’s in styles suitable for chilling slightly or for decanting hours before we dine. Chianti should not be confused with Chianti Classico - That’s another story for another day. And thanks for joining me on today’s Vine to Wine.