Chianti is a wine varietal that hails from the Chianti region in Tuscany, Italy. It's a medium to full-bodied red wine and is typically made predominantly from the Sangiovese grape. Chianti is often characterized by its robust and slightly tannic nature.
It features a wide range of flavors, including cherry, plum, strawberry, spice, vanilla and almonds. Some older Chianti wines can take on a bolder, more earthy set of flavors such as tobacco and leather.
Chianti usually has high acidity, which makes it a versatile pairing for a variety of foods, particularly Italian dishes like pasta and pizza. It’s also ideal with meat, matured cheeses, and dishes with tomato-based sauces.
There are several sub-categories of Chianti, including Chianti Classico, Chianti Rufina, and Chianti Colli Senesi, each produced in a specific area within the Chianti region. Chianti Classico is usually considered the highest quality due to its stricter production rules and regulations.
