Is Chianti a grape??
Chianti DOCG is a prestigious Italian red wine from Tuscany, primarily made from at least 70% Sangiovese grapes, known for its vibrant acidity, tannins, and flavors of cherry, strawberry, and earthy notes, often blended with other grapes like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. It's Italy's highest wine classification (DOCG) and is versatile with food, pairing well with Italian dishes like pizza, pasta, and roasted meats, and is best served at cellar temperature (50-60°F)
Also, most know for straw basket and I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti." – The Silence of the Lambs. Chilling, brilliant, and utterly unforgettable—Anthony Hopkins' Hannibal Lecter gave us one of the most spine-tingling movie moments ever! WATCH below...
Did you know that the history of Chianti wine dates back to the 13th century?
This timeline is a great way to learn about the evolution of this popular red wine from Tuscany. From its early days as a white wine to its modern-day incarnation as a Sangiovese-based blend, Chianti has come a long way.
Here are some of the key milestones in the timeline:
5th Century BC - Roman Times: Etruscans and later Romans cultivate vineyards in the region.
13th Century: The "League of Chianti" is formed, and the name begins appearing in documents to describe the area.
1398: The first recorded mention of “Chianti”
1716: Chianti is officially demarcated by Grand Duke of Tuscany
1872: Modern-style Chianti is created by Baron Ricasoli
1924: The Consortium for the Protection of Chianti Wine is created to protect the brand
1967: Chianti DOC is created
1984: Chianti DOCG is upgraded to stricter appellation rules
1996: Chianti Classico DOCG becomes autonomous
2014: Gran Selezione, the top tier of Chianti Classico, is introduced
Paul's Chianti made with Sangiovese grapes typical of the Tuscan hillsides combines traditional and next generation techniques. The wine has an intriguing bouquet of ripe red fruits and some spice, it tastes elegant and soft and finishes with nicely integrated tannins. This is Chianti next generation at its best.
Sangiovese 85% Merlot 15%
Colli Aretini region between Florence and Arezzo
