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Red WineWhite WineRosé WineSparkling WineMixed Wine$30+$20-$30$15-$20Bold Southern Italian RedsLocal Summer Picks MixFresh Pink PicksItalian Thirst-QuenchersView AllGift ShopGift CardBROWSE ALL MIXED CASESRed WineWhite WineRosé WineChampagne & SparklingDessert WineArgentinaAustraliaChileFranceItalyNew ZealandPortugalSouth AfricaSpainUSABordeauxBurgundyCaliforniaLoire ValleyMendozaPiedmontProseccoRhôneRiojaTuscanyVenetoCabernet SauvignonChardonnayMalbecMerlotMontepulcianoMoscatoPinot GrigioPinot NoirRieslingSauvignon BlancSyrah/ShirazZinfandelLow AlcoholAward Winning Red WinesAward Winning White WinesTop Rated Red WinesTop Rated White Wines90 Point WineDry Red WineFine WinesBiodynamicOrganic GrapesVeganVegetarianBROWSE ALL WINES
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Red WineWhite WineRosé WineSparkling WineMixed Wine$30+$20-$30$15-$20TrioSixTwelveBold Southern Italian RedsLocal Summer Picks MixFresh Pink PicksItalian Thirst-QuenchersView AllBROWSE ALL MIXED CASESRed WineWhite WineRosé WineChampagne & SparklingDessert WineArgentinaAustraliaChileFranceItalyNew ZealandPortugalSouth AfricaSpainUSABordeauxBurgundyCaliforniaLoire ValleyMendozaPiedmontProseccoRhôneRiojaTuscanyVenetoCabernet SauvignonChardonnayMalbecMerlotMontepulcianoMoscatoPinot GrigioPinot NoirRieslingSauvignon BlancSyrah/ShirazZinfandelLow AlcoholAward Winning Red WinesAward Winning White WinesTop Rated Red WinesTop Rated White Wines90 Point WineDry Red WineFine WinesBiodynamicOrganic GrapesVeganVegetarianBROWSE ALL WINESClassic Red & White WinesClassic Red WinesPremium Red WinesBirthdayThank YouAnniversaryWeddingEntertainingThe Gracious HostFriends & NeighborsColleaguesCouplesBoutique Bubbly SixWine & Cheese Lovers' Gift SetBest-Selling Reds SixBest-Selling Whites SixDartington DecanterSlate Cheese BoardCrystal Champagne FlutesRechargeable CorkscrewFrench-Style Steak KnivesBROWSE ALL GIFTSWine Ratings ExplainedWine Longevity After OpeningUnderstanding Wine AcidityThe Role of Sulfites in WineTypes of Wine GlassesView AllGift Ideas For Wine LoversWine Tasting GuideAre Wine Clubs Worth It?Wine Club BenefitsAerating Red Wine / Why To Aerate Wine?Vegan Wine InsightsChoosing Wine for DessertsBest Wine with HamWhat Wine Goes Well with Pizza?Pairing Wine with SushiBest Wine with PastaPairing Wine with ChickenWhat Wine goes with Tacos?Turkey and Wine PairingView AllPride Blend: Support the American LGBTQ+ MuseumNY Jets Uncorked Legacy WineView AllBROWSE ALL ARTICLES
Red WineWhite WineRosé WineSparkling WineMixed Wine$30+$20-$30$15-$20Bold Southern Italian RedsLocal Summer Picks MixFresh Pink PicksItalian Thirst-QuenchersView AllGift ShopGift CardBROWSE ALL MIXED CASESRed WineWhite WineRosé WineChampagne & SparklingDessert WineArgentinaAustraliaChileFranceItalyNew ZealandPortugalSouth AfricaSpainUSABordeauxBurgundyCaliforniaLoire ValleyMendozaPiedmontProseccoRhôneRiojaTuscanyVenetoCabernet SauvignonChardonnayMalbecMerlotMontepulcianoMoscatoPinot GrigioPinot NoirRieslingSauvignon BlancSyrah/ShirazZinfandelLow AlcoholAward Winning Red WinesAward Winning White WinesTop Rated Red WinesTop Rated White Wines90 Point WineDry Red WineFine WinesBiodynamicOrganic GrapesVeganVegetarianBROWSE ALL WINES

A Beginner’s Guide to Chianti Wine

Chianti is one of Italy’s finest—and most famous—red wines. This fruity red blend is a premium example of the country’s expert winemaking skills and has been elevated to iconic status over the centuries.

Chianti has a long history stretching back to Roman times and has even been immortalized in the movies (here’s to you, Sir Anthony Hopkins). Juicy, tart, complex and well- balanced, it is a wine worth getting to know.

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What Is Chianti Wine?

Chianti is a dry red wine from Italy’s Chianti region, located in the middle of the stunning landscapes of Tuscany. This celebrated red blend is made primarily from the local Sangiovese grape.

The name “Chianti” is protected by Italian law, meaning only wines produced within this region that follow specific production rules can carry the name of “Chianti” on their label. This ensures the quality and authenticity of the wine.

Chianti wine is known for its bright acidity, robust tannins and signature flavors of tart red fruits. Historically sold in characteristic straw-wrapped bottles (called fiasco)—though mainly available in standard bottles today—these food-friendly red wines reflect centuries of Tuscan winemaking tradition.

Where Is Chianti Made?

The Chianti wine region is in Tuscany, bordered by two of Italy’s prettiest and most popular cities—Florence to the north and Siena to the south. The area is characterized by its rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and picturesque towns.

The core area of this wine region, known as Chianti Classico, includes the towns and villages of Greve, Radda, Gaiole and Castellina. Each has a unique geography and climate reflected in the area’s variety of wines.

Wine has been made in this part of Italy since Etruscan times, although Chianti wine as we know it today began to take shape in the late 19th century.

Chianti wines with DOCG status (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) represent the highest tier of Italian wine classification. This classification shows that the winemakers have worked within strict production regulations to guarantee quality and authenticity. This classification is considered key for protecting the region’s rich winemaking traditions.

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It’s All About Sangiovese

Sangiovese grapes are the backbone of Chianti wines. This native variety thrives in Tuscany’s Mediterranean climate and its characteristic flavors include tart stone fruits and earthy herbs. Sangiovese’s high acidity and moderate-to-high tannins provide Chianti’s distinctive structure.

Under DOCG regulations, Chianti wines must be made of at least 80% Sangiovese. The remaining 20% of the blend can be made using local varieties—such as Canaiolo and Colorino—and popular international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

What Does Chianti Taste Like?

Chianti wines are famous not only for their ruby-red color and fantastic flavors but also because of their versatility and balance. Medium to full-bodied, Chianti wines have a fresh acidity and a well-balanced structure.

Chianti’s aromas typically include delicious red fruits like sour cherry and plum, often combined with notes of dried herbs and violet accents. Look for complex, tart red fruit flavors alongside hints of earthy spice, fresh herbs, chocolate and the occasional touch of oak.

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Understanding the Chianti Classification

Like France, Italy has a wine classification system. This respected system protects each region’s reputation and long history of premium winemaking, ensuring that only authentic, high-quality wines are made. The classifications are primarily based on geographic location and regulations about grape varieties and aging.

Chianti wines are designated in tiers according to their production and aging.

  • Chianti—This entry-level Chianti wine is typically lighter and fruitier than higher tiers, making it an approachable choice for everyday enjoyment.

  • Chianti Superiore—A step above regular Chianti, with stricter production regulations, including lower yields and higher minimum alcohol content. This can be from anywhere within the Chianti region except Chianti Classico.

  • Chianti Classico—Distinguished by its iconic black rooster (Gallo Nero) seal on the neck of the bottle, this tier of Chianti wine is produced in the historic heart of Tuscany. It requires at least 80% Sangiovese and has a minimum aging period. It’s a wine of profound depth and character. Try our Selva del Moro Chianti Classico 2020, a boutique Chianti Classico made with organically grown grapes.

  • Chianti Classico Riserva—These wines must be aged for at least 24 months at the winery, including at least three months of resting in the bottle. This is why Chianti Classico Riserva wines have a worldwide reputation for their complexity and depth of flavor. They also need to meet a higher minimum alcohol level, which is usually at least 12.5% ABV. For a great example, try the elegant and complex Selva del Moro Chianti Classico Riserva 2019.

  • Chianti Gran Selezione—A relatively new classification that was introduced in 2014. These wines are meant to represent the best Chianti in terms of quality and aging potential. Chianti Gran Selezione can only be made from a winery’s own grapes (purchasing grapes from other estates is not permitted), of which at least 90% must be Sangiovese (with the remaining percentage being solely indigenous red grapes). These wines undergo a minimum of 30 months of aging, including three months in the bottle, before being released.

Pairing Chianti With Food

Ever heard the classic phrase “what grows together, goes together” when it comes to food and wine pairings? It’s certainly the case here, as Chianti and classic Italian dishes are a match made in culinary heaven.

Chianti’s high acidity and robust tannins make it an ideal partner for rich, hearty meats—think the traditional dish of osso buco, comprised of beef shanks braised with vegetables in white wine and broth, or the classic local pairing of Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Classic lasagna and pasta with meat ragù are also good matches for Chianti, as the wine’s vibrant red fruit flavors help balance their richness nicely.

Chianti’s earthy complexity complements savory, rich mushroom risottos and truffle pasta.

But even a simple Margherita pizza shines when paired with Chianti. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the mozzarella cheese and complements the naturally sweet and tangy tomato sauce.

If you’d like to drink your Chianti with dessert, match your wine with a classic Italian favorite like Tiramisu. Chianti’s fruity and slightly tannic nature can complement the creaminess of the mascarpone alongside bitter cocoa and coffee notes in the Tiramisu.

A simple cheese platter including Pecorino or an aged Parmigiano-Reggiano with figs would also be delicious.

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Serving Chianti Wine

To enjoy Chianti at its very best, serve fuller-bodied styles at slightly below room temperature—between 60-65°F—with lighter styles benefiting from a cooler serving temperature of 55-60°F. If the wine is served too warm, the alcohol can “burn” on the palate. However, serve your wine too cold, and you'll risk muting those juicy red fruit and herb flavors.

A larger, round wine glass is ideal for Chianti. Its design allows the wine to “breathe” and release the aromatic bouquet.

Like Malbec and Syrah, Chianti (especially Chianti Classico and Riserva bottlings) can benefit from decanting before serving. Decant one to two hours before serving. This should be enough time for the wine’s tannins to soften and the Chianti to release its fruity aromas.

Wine Subscriptions: Try Exciting Wines From Around The World

With a Laithwaites wine subscription, you can discover the best wines from around the world. It’s an easy way to get your hands on wines you won’t find at your local grocery store.

A Laithwaites wine club subscription offers wine lovers the opportunity to discover new wines from countries worldwide without leaving the house—you can select either our red, white, or mixed subscription cases, each containing a case of high-quality wines from across the world, to be sent to your door every three months.

Other Wines of the World Articles You May Be Interested in

  • A Beginner’s Guide to Vinho Verde Wine

  • Spectacular Spanish Red Wines to Try Now

  • A Beginner’s Guide to Italian Wine

  • A Guide to English Sparkling Wine


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