Wine on the Radio - January 11, 2005

Chianti Essentials Call

 

A report from Ken in Florence

 

Chianti is the best known wine of Italy… and the natural fit for great Italian food.  While we’ve been here, we’ve explored most of the Chianti area, covering a lot of ground.  And while its all pretty much the same grape in the bottle, sangiovese…

 

Each designated zone offers something different.  Here in Florence it’s the nearby Chianti Colli Fiorentini that is the favorite and are the house wines of the local trattorias.  Pretty simple but every day good drinking. 

 

To the northeast of the city is Chianti Rufina… known for artful winemaking and crisply acidic wines layered with flavor.

 

But the best known zone is Chianti Classico… and the wines from one or more of its few famous villages.  Their style is dry and a little tart with an earthy aroma and some berry flavors. 

 

The Reserva’s are considered the best and are aged longer before being released, giving them a lush quality. 

 

Chianti… lots of choices and the versatile food wines of Tuscany.

 

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