Chianti is a type of red wine. However, Chianti is much more than an ordinary bottle of red wine. he way it is produced and its taste distinguish it. We’re going to help you discover the difference between a classic red wine and Chianti.
Of course, there’s only one way to truly appreciate how special this wine is:
that’s to taste it and find out the differences in a Chianti Walkabouttours.
It is an educational experience that will leave a lasting impact on you.
Is Chianti a red wine?
The statement that there is a difference between Chianti red wine and other red wines may lead one to ask ‘Is Chianti a red wine?’ The simple answer is yes, Chianti is red and is classified as a red wine. However, the grapes used to produce Chianti have a thin skin, which makes the wine a light red colour.
What makes it special?
Chianti is produced in Tuscany, as are many other excellent wines. It is considered an integral, if not essential, part of Italian cuisine. There are several reasons why it has earned this status:
- The locality
Chianti wine uses a primary grape, Sangiovese. It is a fruity, earthy and spicy grape that contributes to the unique flavour of this wine. This grape is grown in the region of Tuscany, particularly around Florence. A true Chianti is made from these grapes, which is also why it has a characteristic ruby colour. You may also notice flashes of burnt orange, commonly found in aged wines.
Other grapes may be added, but the best Chianti wines use Sangiovese.
- Pairings
Chianti wines, if of high quality, tend to have notes of red fruits, sometimes black cherry. They may also recall the flavour of dried oregano or sweet tobacco.
Those of slightly lower quality, for example, tend to have an aftertaste of dried herbs or game.
But each of these makes these wines very rich in their own right, distinguishing them from others on the market.
These rich flavours make the wine an excellent choice for almost any meal, especially Italian ones. Of course, the slightly acidic flavour makes it especially perfect for fatty dishes and also for tomato-based sauces, like many Italian dishes!
- Aging
Red wines do not always age well. However, Chianti wines, especially those labelled as DOCG Chianti Classico, tend to age exceptionally well.
It is worth noting that Chianti Classico is different from Chianti DOCG. The former is produced exclusively in the Chianti district in the heart of Tuscany and is considered the premium version of Chianti. A bottle of Classico should have the Black Rooster emblem on the neck or bottle label. Other Chianti wines are produced in the area of Tuscany, are generally cheaper and are extremely popular.
In all cases, no matter how pale the wine is, Chianti is considered a red wine.
All you have to do is try it for yourself.