bottle2glass: Chianti It has come a long way...

Welcome to bottle2glass a blog about what I love...… Wine

I can still see it now. Flash back to the 80’s; going into our favorite little Italian restaurant in Little Italy in Toronto. I can still sense the smells coming from the small family run kitchen, a vision of the red checker table cloth, the waiters in white shirts black pants (Italian of course), and the white candle in an empty straw-wrapped Chianti bottle with candle wax running down the sides sitting in the middle of the table. Ordering our favorite plate of pasta and a bottle of house red. You guessed it Chianti! Arriving to the table in a straw-wrapped bottle (fiascos).

That was the Chianti of the past, fast forward a few decades the Chianti has changed. BUT if you are sucker for nostalgia you can still find that straw-wrapped bottle (fiascos) of Chianti at a BCLS for $16.99.

Chianti has come a long way. But there are many rules and laws about what can be labeled Chianti. The region of Chianti is even more confusing with seven sub regions in Tuscany. Classico and Ruffina are two of the most popular. In the Tuscan region “Chianti Classico” has to have at least 80 - 100% Sangiovese as the major grape. Chianti Classico has red and black cherry character, with notes of wild herbs, mint and spice, mellow tannins. Chianti Classico must have at least 12% alcohol and been aged for 7 months in oak. “Riserva” on the label lets you know it has been aged 27 months in oak and has 12.5% alcohol. Chianti Classico cannot be released until October 1^st the following vintage year. I did warn you about confusing! On that note I will not get into DOC and DOCG. Just that if you see these on the label ENJOY!

Map of the Chianti Regions:

Map from Wikipedia

Now if you ever wondered what’s up with the Black Rooster (Gallo Nero) Emblem on the label. This dates back over 700 years. The label is placed on the neck of a wine bottle from the Chianti Classico zone. Wines with this emblem are of high standards and you know you are getting the real thing. Plus the wine makers have to offer the wine for a strict taste test. To read the story about the Black Rooster click on the link http://www.chianticlassico.com/en/faq/vino/

Enough already! Lets enjoy some Chianti and Chainti Classico. Here are some we have tried and enjoyed. Click on the highlighted link in the wine description to find a BC Liquor Store that carries the wine.

2012 Toscolo Chianti (DOCG)
Here is a nice bottle of Chianti, Nose is Red berry fruit with a hint of Oak; Palate - Cherry, smooth silkly tannins with a short finish. This makes a good everyday wine with a bowl of pasta. This wine may be found at a speciality wine store.

2010 Chianti Classico Basilica Cafaggio Vendemmia (Single Estate) DOCG
A nice Chianti Classico made from 100% Sangiovese. Nose - Spice, dark cherry, leather and oak; on the palate Spicy, nutmeg, dark cherry with a long finish. This wine is very good! I found this wine at a speciality wine store. It was brought in for a limited time. If you see this wine on the shelf grab a bottle or two!

Toscolo Chianti; Chianti Classico Basilica Cafaggio Vendemmia

2010 Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico (DOCG)

This one may look familiar as you can find it in most BC Liquor Stores. This is a wine you can enjoy on its own or with a meal. Nose - Cherry, leather and spice; Palate - Tart Cherry, Cedar and a hint of leather and tobacco. We enjoyed this one! This can be found at your local BC Liquor Store SKU 45195

2011 Chianti Classico Cecchi DOCG

The Black Rooster is front and centre on the label which means it is the real thing (Chianti Classico)! This wine is made from 90% Sangiovesse, 10% other which consist of Canaiolo and Colorino. On the nose tobacco, dark cherry and earthiness; Palate - Sour Cherry, smoke with a long finish. Worth the buy at $20.00. You should be able to find this on the shelf at a BC Liquor Store SKU 113613

2010 Peppoli Chianti Classico DOCG

We enjoyed this wine on Pizza Friday! This wine is made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot and Syrah. Another wine with the Red Rooster. Nose - Bright red fruit, vanilla, sweet herbs and a hint of wood; Palate - Red fruit, chocolate with smooth tannins and a long finish. This wine went great with our pizza but it will stand up to other types of food. Give it a try! It can be found on the shelves at the BC Liquor Store SKU 606541