Chianti Italian wines. Which Chianti is considered the best? The inscription "DOCG Chianti Classico" on the label means

Between the calm rivers Pesa and Elsa, the wide Greve valley and the Chianti hills, on the border of the cities of the Italian region of Tuscany - Florence and Siena, there is a special place called Chianti Classico or Gallo Nero. This place, covering an area of ​​about 70 thousand hectares, is wine-growing area, ten percent of which is given to the vine.

In such a picturesque place, a brand of wine has been produced for more than six hundred years in a row, about which the owner of the famous Italian winery "Castello di Ama" speaks like this: "This is Italian wine with which you can look into the eyes of the French." The brand is called, as well as the place in which it is made - Chianti Classico.

Lightness, depth of taste and aroma make Classico a truly excellent drink and everyone's favorite. On the shelves of liquor stores, you can see bottles with an excise stamp depicting a black rooster in a red circle. Thin-walled pot-bellied bottles (fiaschi) braided with straw or vine make the wine especially recognizable. This salient feature came from ancient times, where Chianti wine was the drink of the poor and had to save even on packaging. Although some manufacturers do not follow this rule and produce standard thick glass bottles.

The legendary black rooster became a symbol for Italy in the struggle for territory, and later the emblem of the association of winemakers.

Between the inhabitants of Florence and their neighbors - Siena, an agreement was concluded that as soon as the black rooster gave a voice at dawn, riders should go towards each other from different directions. At the place of their meeting, the border of these cities will have to appear. However, the Florentines managed to cheat, because the rooster crowed much earlier than the due time. Rumor has it that he was specially kept in a closet and starved. As a result, the Sienese riders rode twenty kilometers less than their neighbors. The end of the dispute can be clearly seen on the map of Italy - the border runs exactly in the center of the Chianti Classico zone.

The mark of a black rooster is applied to the necks of bottles by wine producers. These companies are part of a consortium of wine producers formed back in 1924. However, it is worth considering the fact that the label does not affect the quality of the finished product.

Sangiovese grapes (Sangiovese)

Although the mysterious rooster is the main emblem of the Classico, the Sangiovese grape has become the true soul of these wines. In translation, it means "the blood of Jupiter."

This variety is quite whimsical and difficult to grow. Its main disadvantage is the uneven ripening of fruits, so harvesting is a rather troublesome task.

Breeders are still working on the variety, exploring its varieties. At the moment, there are about 239 clones, each of which has its own specific flavor notes, size and yield. Officially, only 7 varieties of Sangiovese received official approval from the authorities, on which a special marking Chianti Classico-2000 is placed.

Formula

Classico until the end of the 18th century was made from grapes of one variety - Sangiovese. However, the well-known experimenter-winemaker, and part-time Italian Prime Minister, Baron Giovanni Ricasoli-Firidolfi by 1840 developed his own formula for this drink. Sangiovese was only 70 percent, with an additional 15 percent each of Canaiolo Nero and Malvasia Bianca. Trebbiano (white grapes) was also allowed. According to the Baron, real Classico should give off the aroma of fresh rustic bread And flower honey, and be sure to be a little bitter. Only in this way it was possible to speak about the nobility of the drink.

Nowadays, Classico has a slightly different formula: at least 80 percent Sangiovese and 20 percent other varieties. Among them, only Canaiolo remained from the original formula of the baron, and the wine was supplemented with varieties of Colorino, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon. According to legislative acts since 2005, the use of white varieties in the composition is prohibited.

Characteristics and categories

The wine has an intense ruby-red color, darkens with age. Has a rich aroma forest berries, fruit and spicy spices. A subtle aftertaste makes the drink even more perfect.

Minimum content alcohol is 11.5 percent.

In addition to the manufacturer and region, there is also a wine category. It comes in two varieties: Chianti Normale and Chianti Riserva. Normale is usually not indicated on the label, limited only to the word Chianti. This suggests that the drink was stored in barrels for more than one year. The shelf life of this wine is 1-2 years. Riserva is more elite and expensive wine. It is made from harvests of excellent quality and has a rich taste. In barrels, it is aged for more than two years and the shelf life is correspondingly higher. The alcohol content of Riserva must be at least 12.5%.

Very often on the label you can see the marking DOCG (DOCG), for example Chianti Classico DOCG Caretti. This suggests that the wine materials of the Caretti brand are of the best quality.

Production technologies

Wine materials for the drink were produced according to vintage technology unchanged for hundreds of years. The must was prepared from slightly wilted grapes and after the end of its fermentation, new wine was added. The result is a double fermentation. Now winemakers use the method in which the wine matures in oak barrels.

How and with what drink is consumed

To enjoy great taste Classical and to fully feel its aroma, it is customary to drink the drink from tulip-shaped glasses with a volume of 500-600 ml.

It is served on the table just below room temperature - about 16-18 degrees. The glasses are only a third full. Since there may be sediment at the bottom, the bottle should be opened carefully and not shaken.

Combined with hard cheeses, harmonizes well with poultry and meat. Undoubted leaders among the snacks are traditional dishes Italian cuisine. If the wine is very expensive, an appetizer is not required.

Price

The price for a bottle of plain wine at home is about 5 euros. Aged is a little more expensive - 15-20 euros. For drinks of excellent harvests, you will have to pay about 100 euros. However, it must be borne in mind that the Chianti shelf life is 4-10 years, then it simply degrades.

Chianti wine is the most popular in Italy. It has received its wide distribution not only in its native country, but also far beyond its borders.

At the word Chianti, thoughts immediately arise in my head about the sun, the warm wind, the sea. Italy! Only Italian language sounds so melodic that even one word can tell and promise a lot. So, Chianti, what is it? Italy is warm, grapes grow there and some of the best wines in the world are made there. Red wine Chianti Classico is the most famous Italian wine, it Produced in Tuscany near Florence.

Chianti is considered the calling card of Italian winemakers. Sangiovese grapes have been used to make this wine since ancient times. Sometimes grapes of other varieties are added, but in any case, at least 75% of the wine must be from Sangiovese grapes, otherwise this wine cannot be called Chianti. Experts believe that the aroma of true Chianti wine is the smell of rustic bread freshly taken out of the oven, honey, violets and wild berries. They say that this wine must certainly have a slight bitter taste.

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Italian legislation strictly controls the production technology of classic Chianti wines. (Chianti Classico). White grape varieties are added to wine rarely and only in some brands. The calorie content of wine is only 84 kcal per 100 grams.

Making Italian dry red wine Chianti is an art. Hereditary winemakers use old family recipes. Surprisingly, the flavor notes of wine can depend on whether the vine grew on a shady or brightly lit hillside. Since the end of the 18th century, only a few villages have been considered the official producers of Chianti. Today this list has expanded, but all the localities where Chianti is made are in the Tuscany region.

Chianti Riserva

This is a premium brand. The wine has a bright and rich taste with berry shade. In the cellars, the wine is aged for at least 27 months, in bottles only three months. The fortress of this gourmet drink 12.5%.

Gran Selezione

Before selling, the wine of this brand matures in bottles for three months. But before bottling, the wine poured into barrels is aged for a long 30 months in cellars.

Cabernet Sauvignon French grapes are added to the wine of this brand. However, 90% of the composition is still Sangiovese grapes. The wine is aged for at least 9 months.

Colli Aretini

Exposure of this wine is short, only three months. But there is a strict rule: it cannot be sold before June of the year following the harvest. Sometimes this brand of wine matures much longer, from 24 to 26 months.

Colli Fiorentini

The peculiarity of the wine of this brand is a spicy fruity aroma. This brand of wine is sometimes aged for 9 months, and sometimes for two years in barrels. At the end of the term, the wine is bottled for three months. With a long exposure, the strength of the wine is 16%, with a short exposure 12%.

Superiore

Italians appreciate this wine not only for its excellent quality, but also for its low price. If the vine was literally strewn with berries, then such grapes are not suitable for wine of this brand, its quality is lower than required. If up to 2.2 kg of berries were harvested from one vine, this is what you need. After 9 months of aging, a drink with alcohol content 12%.

The soils of the Senesi region are poor and there are not enough sunny days here. Therefore, the grapes growing here have a coarser taste. It produces wine with a hint of ripe cherries.

Colline Pisane

It is allowed to add some white grapes to this wine. They do not keep it for long, on March 1 of the year following the harvest, the wine is already sent for sale. The wine has a characteristic pomegranate hue. Alcohol content from 11.5%.

Previously, Italian red wine from the Tuscany region was considered the wine of the poor. It was poured into convex bottles made of thin glass. The bottles were braided with straw and bast so as not to break during transportation. Today, Chianti wine has concentrated the centuries-old experience and talent of Italian winemakers. A bottle of Chianti is easy to recognize. The excise stamp shows a red circle with a silhouette of a black rooster inside.

Why is a bottle with a cockerel a bottle of Chianti?

Several centuries ago, the inhabitants of Florence and Siena argued over the size of their territories. It was necessary to draw the border between the cities. It was decided to dig a boundary pillar where the envoys from the cities, who left with the first roosters, would meet.

The Florentines did not feed their rooster first; he woke up from hunger earlier than the Sienese rooster. A hungry rooster crowed, and the Florentine horseman flew forward like a bullet. And he rode more as a result of 20 kilometers more than the Sienese rider. So Florence got more land. The vintners have perpetuated this dispute and have chosen the rooster as their symbol. Today, the cock on the bottle has become a kind of quality mark.

How and with what they drink Chianti wine

If you want to truly enjoy Chianti and fully experience its qualities, then do so.

• pre-cool the bottle to a temperature not higher than 18C, at this temperature the wine is stored in the cellars;
• it is better to open the bottle before serving, in 2-3 hours the wine will have time to saturate with oxygen;
• best suited glasses in the shape of a tulip flower with a volume of 600 ml. Do not fill them completely, it is enough to pour wine to a third of the volume;
• hold glasses of Chianti wine by the stem. Red dry wine loses taste when heated;
• drink wine slowly, in small sips;
• snacks for Italian Chianti wine are served traditional: game dishes, grilled meat, fish. Dry red wine goes well with cheese and vegetable salad;
• spicy and sour food is not suitable for wine. Ordinary White bread Perfectly complements wine even expensive brands.

Despite the fact that Chianti contains an average of 12.5% ​​alcohol, it is easy and pleasant to drink. Once I tried it, I remembered for a long time my carefree-playful mood. Everyday worries have gone somewhere, a feeling of some kind of flight and unexpected joy arose. From just a few sips of wine with the melodic name of Chianti.

All wines are like women. Some are famous, but only gourmets appreciate their taste. Others are not so popular, but good to the point of impossibility. And then there's Chianti, a dry red Tuscan wine with the perfect balance of glory and splendor. It is considered the most famous Italian grape drink outside the republic. The English, out of love for him, jokingly call Chiantishire. Chianti is mentioned not only in books and films. Even the heroes of popular computer games are not averse to pampering themselves with a glass of this wine.

Why is it so loved and how is it different from other drinks? Now we will try to figure it out.

Italian historians believe that the life of Chianti began in the time of the Etruscans. Winemaking methods were successfully applied in and survived even after the barbaric destruction thanks to the Benedictine monks.

The term "Chianti" is first found in documents in 790. But the earliest mention with a specific reference to Chianti wine dates back to the 13th century, when viticulture flourished in (Firenze). Merchants from the villages of Castellina, Gaiole and Radda formed the "Lega del Chianti" to produce and promote local wine based on Sangiovese.

In 1796, Cosimo III de Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany issued a decree that 3 villages of the League, as well as the town of Greve, were officially recognized as the only producers of Chianti. This restriction existed until July 1932, when the Italian government added to the original zone the surrounding areas: Barberino Val d'Elsa, Chocchio, Robbiano, San Casciano in Val di Pesa and Strada. Subsequent expansions in 1967 would bring the Chianti production area to a very large area in central Tuscany.

TO XVIII century Chianti became a widely recognized red wine, but its exact composition was unknown at the time. It was only as a result of the work of Baron Bettino Ricasoli in the middle of the 19th century that a modern drink recipe based on grapes was formed: 70% Sangiovese (Sangiovese), 15% Canaiolo (Canaiolo) and 10% Malvasia Bianca (Malvasia bianca) and 5% others local varieties.

By the beginning of the 20th century, the league of Chianti producers could not meet the growing demand for the drink. As a result, alcohol began to be imitated not only in other parts of Tuscany, but also outside the region. It took the creation of an authority to protect the brand from counterfeiting.

On May 14, 1924, a group of 33 producers founded the Consortium with the aim of protecting Chianti and its brand. Its symbol was the "black rooster in a golden field", which to this day is the hallmark of the Classico drink.

Why the black rooster? A beautiful legend lives in Florence that the bird contributed to the expansion of its territory to the side.
During the rivalry between the two regions, their inhabitants decided to redraw the borders. Unable to agree, they decided that with the first cock crow from each city, a rider would go towards each other. Where they meet, there will be a cherished line. To the great joy of the Florentines, their black rooster woke up a little earlier than his Sienese counterpart. As a result, thanks to a modest bird, Florence managed to pinch off part of the land from Siena.

In 1967, the Chianti Classico code received , and in 1984 it was awarded highest award in the form of a DOCG quality mark.

Characteristics and production technology

The Ricasoli formula for the grape varieties used has been successfully applied at the present time. Although some producers, trying to get away from the old principles, make Chianti with 100% Sangiovese content.

impurities additional species raw materials do not give complete freedom to winemakers, since in this regard there are strict restrictions. Eg:

• All grapes must be grown exclusively in Tuscany.
• White berries (37 varieties are allowed to be added) together or separately must not exceed 10% of the total volume. And for Chianti Classico since 2006, such grapes are completely prohibited.
• The amount of raw materials from the vines Cabernet Franc (Cabernet Franc) and Cabernet Sauvignon (Cabernet Sauvignon) is not more than 15%.
• Vineyards grow exclusively on hills at an altitude of no more than 700 m above sea level.
• Any form of vine growth stimulation other than irrigation is prohibited.

The Chianti production method belongs to the classical winemaking. It's the slow way secondary fermentation. In this case, it is allowed to slightly dry the berries before starting production.

All stages take place in the DOCG zone. Small exceptions are allowed, but with the prior approval of the regulatory authorities.
Compared to other Chianti wines, no long aging is required. The minimum exposure takes place until March 1 of the year following the year of harvest. Types marked Riserva have been waiting for bottling for more than 2 years.

Historically, wine is associated with a squat, flask-shaped bottle in a straw basket, which is called "fiasco" (fiasco). Today, however, few manufacturers stick to traditional packaging. Most bottle Chianti in standard shaped bottles.

Types and description

Some call Chianti "Bordeaux from Italy" because the flexibility of the recipe creates a wide variety of drink styles. Light, modest wines tend to have a higher proportion of white grapes in the blend. Red berries make the taste of alcohol richer and richer.
Depending on the sub-zone of Chianti production, the following types of wine are distinguished:

• Classico (Classico);
• Colli Aretini;
• Pisane Colli (Colli Pisane);
• Collie Senesi (Colli Senesi);
• Colli Fiorentini;
• Montalbano (Montalbano);
• Montespertoli (Montespertoli);
• Rufina.

Subspecies include Riserva and Superiore. If the name of the wine is supplemented with the word Riserva, this is an aged version (at least 2 years). Superiore is a distinctive designation for wines with more stringent production rules. Vineyards for such drinks grow throughout the territory of production of Chianti, except for the zone for Classico.

The wine cannot be sold to the consumer before 9 months of aging, of which 3 must be spent in the bottle.

Now let's take a closer look at each type of Chianti.

Chianti Classico DOCG

Chianti Classico DOCG is a dry red wine bearing the name of the land where it originated. Its production area covers 70,000 hectares between Florence and Siena and includes 8 municipalities. The content of Sangiovese grapes in the drink ranges from 80 to 100%. Allowed to use 20% of other red varieties: Canaiolo, Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Bottles from vintages prior to 2005 may contain 6% white Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes. Berry picking takes place in October. The best Sangiovese goes to making Riserva-marked wine, the minimum ripening period of which is 24 months. Of these, the last 3 go directly to the bottles, the rest - in oak barrels.

In 2014, a new category of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione appeared. More stringent requirements are imposed on raw materials and wine production. The drink is awarded such a name only after passing the test for "professional suitability": lab tests and approval of the tasting committee.

Chianti Classico has a bright ruby ​​color and a deep smell. Riserva has a pomegranate hue and a berry-spicy aroma. The taste is dry, fruity, tending to become more velvety over time. Minimum term exposure 11 months. The amount of sugar is 4 g per 1 liter. Alcohol content - 12%, for wine marked Riserva - 12.5%.

Before drinking, the wine must be saturated with oxygen, so Chianti is opened a few hours before tasting. Served at a temperature of 16-18 degrees in a Tulip glass.

Classico, with low tannins, is suitable to accompany grilled red meat. Riserva goes well with game.

Chianti Colli Aretini DOCG

Chianti Colli Aretini is a red wine produced in the province of Arezzo. The proportion of Sangiovese grapes in it ranges from 75 to 100%. Additionally, you can use: Canaiolo (up to 10%), Trebbiano or Malvasia (up to 10%) and no more than 10% of the varieties specified in the specification.

The wine is put on sale starting in June of the year following the harvest year. The Riserva variety matures over 26 months.

Collie Aretini's color is ruby ​​red. The smell is rich, vinous with aromas of violets and ripe red fruits. The taste is dry, fresh, invigorating and energetic. Alcohol content 12%, for Riserva - 12.5%.

Perfectly harmonizes with the first courses of traditional Tuscan cuisine, as well as with roasted red meat. Ideal with beef.

Chianti Colli Pisane DOCG

Chianti Colli Pisane is a wine from the province (Pisa), whose production area extends over 250 hectares. Sangiovese occupies 70-100% of the total volume of raw materials. The proportion of white grapes must not exceed 10%. Wine trade is carried out not earlier than March 1 of the year following the harvest.

Ruby color tending to garnet with age. The smell is saturated with the aroma of violets. The taste is harmonious, fruity with light tannins. The alcohol content is at least 11.5%, for Riserva - 12.5%.

Collie Pisane is an elegant and soft drink. It is easy to drink. Perfect for fish dishes.

Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG

Chianti Colli Senesi is a legacy of the winemaking tradition of the province of Siena. The lands of this territory are different from each other. Therefore, drinks in the northern part are more saturated and with a lower alcohol content, in the southern part they are deep, slowly ripening. The share of Sangiovese is at least 80%.
The color is intense ruby ​​red. The aroma is bright with notes of fresh cherries, tobacco and violets. The taste is deep, rounded with moderate acidity and dense tannins. Alcohol content 12%.

Pairs well with vegetable salads dressed with olive oil and truffles.

Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG

Chianti Colli Fiorentini is made in a hilly area around Florence, which includes the cities of Montelupo Fiorentino, Fiesole, Lastra, Signa, Scandicci, Impruneta, Bagno a Ripoli, Rignano sull'Arno and Pontassieve. The volume of its production is 5% of the total amount of Chianti. The content of grape varieties is distributed as follows: Sangiovese - 88%, Canaiolo - up to 8%, Malvasia red and white - up to 4%.

Color bright red, transparent. The aroma is intense, persistent with notes of flowers and spices. The taste is dry, full with moderate tannicity. The alcohol content is from 12.5 to 16%. The distinctive symbol of Chianti Fiorentini is a stylized lion standing on its hind legs.

The wine is quite balanced, so it is suitable for everyday use. It goes well with all dishes: appetizers, meats, cheeses, vegetable stews.

Chianti Montalbano DOCG

Chianti Montalbano is a red wine named after the mountain range that extends into the provinces of Pistoia, Prato and Florence. It is currently produced by 180 wineries. The mixture of raw materials contains at least 75% Sangiovese, up to 10% Canaiolo, up to 10% Malvasia Bianca and Trebbiano (together or separately).

The organoleptic characteristics of the wine coincide with those common to many types of Chianti: color - ruby ​​red, wine aroma with notes of violet. The alcohol content is 12-12.5%.

Montalbano goes well with salami, rabbit meat, first courses and game.

Chianti Montespertoli DOCG

Chianti Montespertoli is another variant of Florentine wine. It is produced in the municipality of the same name. The distribution of grape varieties is as follows: Sangiovese - from 70%, Merlot, Canaiolo, Cabernet, Sauvignon, Malvasia, Trebbiano - together no more than 30%.

The young wine has a red ruby ​​color, Riserva has a garnet color. Floral aroma. The taste is harmonious, fruity, slightly tannic, velvety, with good acidity. The minimum alcohol content is 11.5%.

Excellent accompaniment with red meats and medium-aged cheeses.

Chianti Rufina DOCG

Chianti Rufina is a red wine from the smallest subzone of Chianti production. It is made in the region of the same name in the province of Florence. The share of Sangiovese in the drink ranges from 75 to 100%, Canaiolo - up to 10%, Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia del Chianti - no more than 10%.

Introduce Rufina on sale no earlier than June 1, following the year of harvest. Ruby color. The aroma is intense with hints of violet, intensifying with aging. The taste of young wine is harmonious, slightly tannic. A mature drink acquires a velvety softness. Alcohol content from 12 to 12.5%.

Due to its pronounced freshness, Chianti Rufina goes well with grilled meats, legume soups and traditional Tuscan meat dishes.

Which Chianti is considered the best?

When choosing an alcoholic drink, I want to stop at the best option. As you know, there are spots on the sun. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to know exactly what to purchase for the next banquet. To help the buyer in Italy, they publish the Vinibuoni d'Italia guide, based on the opinions of professional critics and ordinary consumers.

According to him, in 2017 the best bottles of Chianti are recognized:

1. Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2013, Castello d'Albola di Radda winery, price - 27-29 Euro;
2. Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva "Bandini Villa Pomona" 2013, Pomona di Castellina winery, price 18-20 Euro;
3. Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2012, Badia a Coltibuono di Gaiole winery, price - 25-27 Euro;
4. Chianti Classico DOCG 2013, Val delle Corti winery, Radda, price - 15-17 Euro;
5. Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva "Vigneto Il poggio" 2011, Castello di Monsanto, Barberino Val d'elsa, price - 44-47 Euro.

It is worth noting that Vinibuoni d'Italia in its choice relies on the optimal ratio of price and quality of the drink.

Price in Russia

The range of prices for Chianti in domestic stores is very large. The cost of the drink depends on the manufacturer and the aging time. For example, if young wine can be purchased in the range from 700 to 3000 rubles, then for a Chianti harvest in 2007, you will have to fork out about 100,000.

The review of the Tuscan celebrity is complete. Drinking a glass of Chianti in Tuscany and dying of pleasure is a great task for your next vacation. Live modestly, joke funny, think soberly and remember: "Passing through the body, Chianti remains in the heart forever!"

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Dry red wine Chianti, produced in Italian Tuscany, is known to connoisseurs of spirits around the world. This drink is made from a special grape variety that grows in the beautiful Tuscan climate. About fine wine, the history of its appearance and production will be described in more detail in this article.

Description of Chianti wine

This wine is produced in unusual "pot-bellied" bottles, the lower part of which is originally braided with bast. The fiasco bottle is called, and it has become one of the elements by which this fine wine can be easily recognized.

History of wine

Many historians of Italy claim that this wine was known back in the days of the Etruscans, who inhabited these lands in the 7th century BC. e. Etruscan winemaking methods were successfully used in the Roman Empire and were preserved even after its fall. It is believed that the Benedictine monks preserved the technology for the production of Chianti wine, thanks to which it has survived to this day.

The term Chianti was first found in documents in 790, but its mention as the name of wine was documented only in the 13th century. At that time, viticulture was widespread in Florence and flourished.

Wine producers from the villages of Radda, Castellina and Gaiole created the Chianti League. This was done to promote the brand and secure the rights to produce Chianti wine. The grape variety used in the production of wine was unchanged, and the drink was considered real only if it was created from Sangiovese grapes.

Official recognition of the drink

In 1796, the Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo III de Medici, signed a decree stating that the three villages of the League of Chianti, as well as the town of Greve, were the only officially recognized producers of this wine. This decree was valid until the middle of 1932, when the Italian government recognized several more surrounding areas as official producers of Chianti wine. This list includes such settlements as:

• Barberino Wald Elsa;
• Robbiano;
• Chocchio;
• San Casciano dei Bagni;
• Val di Pesa;
• Strada.

In 1967, this list was expanded to include most of central Tuscany. By the beginning of the 18th century, dry red wine Chianti had become widely known and recognized by numerous lovers of alcoholic beverages.

At the end of the 19th century, the Chianti League could not produce enough wines to meet the increased demand, which is why the drink began to be massively counterfeited. To protect their brand, the producers have created a distinctive symbol of real Chianti. They became the image of a black rooster in a golden field, which was applied to the cork and the bottle.

The history of the brand

Why was it that the black rooster was made the symbol of the Chianti League and of Florence itself? There are two versions of how everything happened. According to one of them, Florence and Siena were arguing about the boundaries of their territories. In order to peacefully resolve the dispute, the heads of the city-states agreed that with the first roosters, each would send mounted knights towards each other. Where the cavalry meets, there the border will pass.

In Florence, a black rooster was chosen for this, which was kept hungry in complete darkness. As soon as he saw any light, the hungry, restless Florentine rooster began to crow. Thanks to this, the knights of Florence left earlier than their rivals from Siena and increased their border by as much as 20 km.

According to another legend, the Florentines sneaked into the barnyard of the city of Siena, and then fed the birds and cattle with grain dipped in wine. As a result, the rooster from Siena did not crow, because he simply overslept. In gratitude, the inhabitants of Florence made the black rooster their symbol, as well as the emblem of the League of Chianti.

Wine production rules

Until the middle of the 19th century, Chianti wine was made only from Sangiovese grapes. However, Baron Bettino Ricasolli, one of the largest wine producers and part-time Minister of Tuscany at that time, expanded the range of grape varieties that were used for the production of Chianti.

Now, in the manufacture of this drink, it was allowed to use various grapes, namely: 70% Sangiovese, 15% White Malvasia and 15% Canaiolo. The technology for the production of wine according to the formula of Baron Ricasolli is still used today. However, some producers consider it wrong and make a drink using only Sangiovese grapes.

Chianti Classico

Chianti Classico is the name of a region that has an area of ​​about 70,000 hectares and is located between Siena and Florence. In this area there are soils of various composition, for example, clay, tuff, calcareous, marl and sandy. This combination has a very favorable effect on vine.

Vineyards grow at different altitudes, from 200 to 800 meters above sea level. Therefore, the taste of ripe grapes is different in richness and sweetness. This is what winemakers use to create the unique taste of Chianti. This wine is a quality standard and the pride of not only its producers, but of the entire region as a whole.

Wine "Chianti Classico"

Such wines are made only from Sangiovese grapes, which have been cultivated in these places for more than one millennium and are considered exclusively Italian variety. Absolutely all Chianti Classico wines are made according to old recipe which has remained unchanged for centuries.

All wines of this line are marked with an emblem depicting a black rooster in a yellow circle, framed by a red border.

Wines "Chianti Classico" fully mature by 10 years, reaching their peak taste, after which the drink begins to degrade, but this increases its value among connoisseurs of alcohol.

Paradoxical is the fact that most of the time most Classico wines are much cheaper than other wines produced in these areas. This is done in order to please the many tourists who come here every year.

Varieties of Chianti

Chianti wine has several varieties, each with its own characteristics. To avoid confusion, a classification was created that looks like this.

• Simple chianti. Exactly this regular wine having a small price. This is due to the fact that it can be produced in any region of Tuscany, and the content of Sangiovese grapes in this drink is about 75%. The average cost of a regular Chianti is about 850 rubles. It is consumed during lunch or dinner, it goes well with meat dishes. This wine has pleasant taste and flavor, but is not a vintage or collectible drink.

• Chianti Superiore. Quite high requirements are already imposed on this wine, for example, it must be aged for at least 9 months. In this case, the aging countdown should begin on the first of January, after the grape harvest. You can buy such wine closer to the beginning of winter, and the average price ranges from 1500 to 1800 rubles. Such wine is considered good enough to decorate any of your celebrations.

Varieties of Chianti Classico

"Chianti Classico" is a wine that is made in the territory of the same name, near Florence and Siena. His taste characteristics directly depend on the area where the grapes were harvested. For example, wine made in Catellina will have delicate aroma, the same drink from Castelnuvo Berardegni boasts spicy notes on the palate. In short, Italian Chianti wine produced in different regions will have a different taste and original features. The average price for Chianti Classico is about 2,500 rubles, although there are copies that have a price of 7,000 rubles and more.

"Chianti Classico Riserva" is an aged wine, it belongs to the premium category. The drink is aged for at least 27 months, has a rich ruby ​​​​red color, and its strength starts from 12.5%. "Chianti Classico Riserva" is a wine that is intended for connoisseurs and connoisseurs of this drink. The price for it starts from 3,500 rubles per bottle and can reach 14,000 rubles. There are also exclusive copies worth from 70,000 rubles.

Considering the variety of Italian wine assemblages in specialized stores, you will definitely pay attention to Chianti wine. These are exclusive products that today can only be produced in sunny Italy.

But this does not mean that you cannot surround yourself with a solid variety of these products, because Chianti today produces an impressive number of well-known alcohol companies.

Did you know? Today, the Chianti Classico zone extends over 70,000 hectares.

Conducting a detailed acquaintance with the representatives of Chianti, you should know that these are alcoholic beverages that got their name from the region of Italy of the same name, where an impressive amount of Sangiovese grapes grow. This region is divided into several, each of which produces its own subspecies of aromatic drink.

These areas include Classico, Rufina, Colli Senesi, Montalbano. In particular, it was Sangiovese that became the basis for the preparation of such a memorable product.

Also, the composition may contain grapes and white varieties, namely: malvasia or canaiolo. Ready drink usually aged in oak barrels for 4 to 7 months, but there are also options with much more long term excerpts.

At the same time, in order for the manufacturer to write “Chianti” on the bottle of his product, the composition of the contents of the container today must consist of at least 80% Sangiovese grapes.

• Color. Representatives of Chianti have an attractive red color, which is often enriched with shades of purple and burgundy. It all depends directly on the composition and formulation of the manufacturing provided by a particular manufacturing company.
• Aroma. The aromatic component is based on fruit, herbal and mineral loops.
• Taste. Gastronomic indicators are expressed by a velvety balanced nature, which is based on a strong proportion of tannins.

How to buy original product

In an effort to purchase high-quality Italian wine in a store in your city, try to give preference only to eminent manufacturing companies, and also take into account the fundamental features of high-quality alcohol.

Otherwise, due to the rapidly growing share of counterfeit products on the market, you run the risk of getting the wrong first impressions of getting to know a series of products in demand on the market. To prevent this from happening, in the selection process, try to consider the following nuances:

• The appearance of the container. Chianti wine is bottled today in a variety of bottles, which is why before buying the alcohol you like, you will need to visit the official website of the manufacturer and get acquainted with how the original packaging looks like. Previously, Chianti bottles were bottled in a pot-bellied braided container called "fiasco".
• Consistency. The structure of a branded aged drink should be clean, without any neoplasms and turbidity. If you notice sediment, immediately return the product to the shelf. It does not correspond to the fundamental characteristics of the segment.
• Premium level. There will never be chipped paint, dents, uneven seams, smudged embossing or misaligned labels on a Chianti branded bottle. These are premium products, each stage of production of which is monitored by experienced technologists.
• Excise stamp. Since real Chianti is a genuine Italian product, when purchasing it in a stationary store, make sure that excise stamp. This element of protection must be on every alcoholic product who went through customs clearance.
• Place of purchase. In order to protect yourself from fakes as much as possible, in the process of acquiring wine masterpieces, try to give preference only to specialized shops. Trust retail outlets where, in addition to responsible recommendations, customers can, if necessary, be provided with certificates for the entire range offered for sale.

How to serve

Like any good Chianti, chill it a bit before serving. The optimum serving temperature can be considered 16-18 degrees. Note that this drink often drunk at room temperature.

As for glasses, any wine glasses are suitable for an ordinary representative of the segment, and for Chianti champagne it is best to use a tall container with a thin stem.

In both cases, trust clear, thin glass wine glasses to help you explore the exquisite color and aroma of the purchased product.

What do you drink Chianti with?

In order for the gentle – dry wine – of Tuscany to reveal its full taste and unforgettable flavors to you, try to serve it with the right snacks. These drinks are examples of the ideal. They are best enjoyed accompanied by light salads, cheese and cold cuts, fruits and desserts. Alcohol looks great paired with pastries and ice cream.

Other uses

In the event that the tasting of Chianti did not cause you such vivid emotions that you expected, do not be upset. Pay attention to cocktails that can diversify any event where a signature Italian product is bottled.

In particular, mixes that are guaranteed to allow you to take a fresh look at red dry alcohol bought in a store include Temptation, Fiery, Mary Garden, Louisiana, Lafayette and many others.

Did you know? According to Italian law, the use of white grape varieties in the manufacture of Chianti Classico is prohibited.

Popular representatives of the segment

Wines Chianti– Italy in its brightest colors and flavors. When you meet Chianti representatives in the store, you will discover an impressive array of alcoholic products created by a wide variety of well-known companies on the market. In order not to miscalculate with first impressions, we recommend giving preference to the following popular drinks during the tasting process:

• Fratelli Martini Sant'Orsola Chianti DOCG. Red dry Chianti wine with an attractive pomegranate reflection. Its aroma is based on the rounded outlines of tannins and fruits, and on the palate one can hear hints of vanilla and sea stone.

• Rocca Guicciarda Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG. Ruby-red blend with a rich Mediterranean aroma, dominated by fruity and spicy notes. The taste of the product is no less charismatic. It has nuances ripe berries, fruits, cinnamon, jam and spices.
• Chianti Classico DOCG Vigneto La Casuccia 2006. It has a stylish purple color and a mineral aroma with a slight herbaceous touch. The palate emerges with a velvety combination of ripe fruits and tannins.

• Chianti Classico DOCG Vigneto Bellavista 2004. Red-ruby alcohol with an elegant and rather complex fruity-spicy aftertaste. The aromatic bouquet hides a symbiosis of spices and black berries.

Historical reference

The history of Chianti dates back to the middle of the 19th century, when the avid experimenter Baron Bettino Ricasoli set himself the goal of creating a drink on his estate that, on the one hand, could become an everyday drink, and on the other hand, was completely suitable for aging.

So, by trial and error, Bettino soon realized the first Chianti, which at that time consisted of 70% Sangiovese and 15% Malvasia and Canaiolo each. For a long time, this recipe remained unchanged, until in the 70s of the XX century, manufacturers began to reduce the amount of white grapes in the recipe.

In view of these trends, already in 1995 the Italian government allowed the production of Chianti entirely from Sangiovese.

Did you know? Representatives of Chianti with an exposure of 38 months can be labeled as Riserva.

Exquisite taste for a unique experience

Each representative of Chianti is a unique masterpiece that you will enjoy for a long period of time. These wines are not drunk, they are savored.

And this is not surprising, because in every sip, in addition to a non-trivial recipe, there is bright aroma, a long balanced aftertaste and an unforgettable gastronomic note that will not leave your fantasies for a long time.

Go to the nearest liquor store for a bottle bright drink, whose tasting features are aimed at awakening the best experience from every minute of consumption.