Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
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    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
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    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
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    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
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  • Events
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    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
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Chianti is one of the most iconic wines in the world, and while you think you might know it, today’s Chianti producers have defined and refined this most enchanting Italian wine.  The allure of its complex bouquet, red cherry fruit, dried herbs, spice, balsamic vinegar notes, smoked meats, violets, espresso, tobacco and toasted oak draws you in to a full, smooth red wine, with vibrant acidity and integrated, silky tannins.  It’s a savory, tangy wine that has so many incarnations, depending on the category and the sub-region, but one thing is for sure, to drink Chianti is to find yourself among the rolling hills of Tuscany, with all its aromatic splendor.
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Chianti Vineyard, Courtesy of Consorzio Vino Chianti
Chianti has a rich history in Italy, going back over 300 years when the first set of laws governing production was issued.  Since then, Chianti’s definition has been in flux, evolving over blending, winemaking methods and sub-regions, until the official Consorzio Vino Chianti came into existence almost a hundred years ago.  So while today there is a much greater understanding and delineation of the vineyards, there is also a greater variety of Chianti wine.  To know Chianti is to love it, and that’s where the Consorzio stepped in, embarking on a “Chianti Lovers US Tour 2022” this past May.  There’s a lot to know and appreciate in this glass of “liquid culture”, and the magical spell that it casts over all who drink it.
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Sangiovese grapes, Courtesy of Consorzio Vino Chianti
The broad strokes that form the tapestry of Chianti wine is complex.  Over 100 million bottles are produced annually by 3,300 wineries, all governed by the Consorzio’s production guidelines of yields, blending percentages and aging requirements.  A few basics can help when choosing a Chianti wine to drink.  Sangiovese is Chianti’s beating heart, making up a minimum of 80% or up to 100% of the wine, and producers are allowed to blend in other varietals such as Canaiolo, Colorino, Malvasia and even Cabernet Sauvignon.  There are basically three categories, Annata, Superiore and Riserva.  ”Annata” is the youngest expression, aging about 6 months, fragrant and fresh.  “Superiore” is the middle ground, aging at least one year and has higher minimum alcohol, a more robust and intense wine.  “Riserva” is the pinnacle, aging for at least two years, it’s a complex and intense expression of Sangiovese.  Within Chianti Classico DOCG, Gran Selezione is a new addition, above Riserva and reflecting higher requirements, along with only estate fruit, that embodies the ideal of excellence.
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Chianti wine lovers, Courtesy of Consorzio Vino Chianti
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Courtesy of Grape to Glass
​Now, to choose which expression of Chianti to drink is another dilemma.  Chianti wine can be made within the greater Chianti wine region that falls between the cities of Florence, Arezzo, Siena and Pisa.  There is the heart of Chianti, the original Chianti Classico DOCG, made up of nine communes, located between Florence and Siena, considered by many to be the core of highest quality wines.  The Classico wines are represented by the Gallo Nero or Black Rooster, a nod to the legend of a black rooster’s role in the war between Florence and Siena during medieval times.
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The "Chianti Lands", Courtesy of Consorzio Vino Chianti
Outside of this historical center, the region is divided into seven sub-zones, DOCGs that have their own character.  The most historic and representative of these “Chianti Lands” cling to the outskirts of the major cities of Florence and Sienna, such as Chianti Colli Fiorentini, Chianti Colli Senesi, and Chianti Rufina.
 
Here is a brief summary of what to expect within a bottle:
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Chianti Colli Fiorentini embodies elegant wines with a rich character and delicate finesse, easy to drink young but ages well over time.
Chianti Colli Aretini expresses a more rustic, intense and generous nature, with a consistent body and concentration.
Chianti Colli Senesi manifests a smooth, elegant personality, as it ripens earlier, there are more fruity notes, sweetness and body, still adding up to richness and depth.
Chianti Colline Pisane offers a smooth and more modern interpretation, a gentler version of Sangiovese, due to the area’s sandy soils and proximity to the sea.
Chianti Montalbano produces structured wines, with a pleasant heady flavor.
Chianti Montespertoli has the highest concentration of vineyards in Tuscany, and includes a varied range of wine styles, all expressing lots of character and personality, due to the many different micro-ecosystems within.
Chianti Rufina is one of the oldest areas, with its higher altitudes, soil composition, and temperature range, the wines are blessed with a crispness and floral aromas, and the ability to age for a very long time.
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Chianti Wine Ambassador Luca Alves
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Travel and Food Writer Paul Feinstein (L) and Producer Barbara Barrielle contribute their expertise to the discussion
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​The Chianti Lovers US Tour 2022 conducted a blind tasting seminar that illustrated all seven sub-zone DOCGs within one vintage year, 2017.  The 2017 vintage was difficult, with no summer rain, a hot August, humid climate and November rain.  Billed as “The Chianti Lovers ‘Wine & Cinema’ Experience”, a tasting and lively discussion among the participants was guided by Chianti Wine Ambassador Luca A. Alves, Travel and Food Writer Paul Feinstein, and Barbara Barrielle of Barbara Barrielle Productions, accompanied by a film homage to the cultural importance of Chianti in film.  Only after the tasting was finished were the producers revealed.  My three favorites?
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Podere dell’Anselmo “Ingannamatti” Riserva Chianti Montespertoli, 100% Sangiovese from 15-year-old vines, fermented in stainless steel, aged 1 year in French barriques and 1 year in bottle.  It was an intense, muscular, fleshy and vibrant wine, falling somewhere between the old and new styles of Chianti, with a cornucopia of aromas and flavors, ripe fruit, leather, tobacco and toasted sesame notes, beautifully balanced.
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​Castello del Trebbio “Lastricato” Riserva Chianti Rufina, 100% Sangiovese from 22-30 year old vines, fermented in Terracotta jars, and aged in large oak barrels.  It was an elegant, intense and structured wine, dark cherry and spice, along with balsamic notes and tobacco, silky, well integrated tannins unfurl upon a long finish.
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​Castelvecchio “Vigna La Quercia” Riserva Chianti Colli Fiorentini, 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from 25-year-old vines, stainless steel fermented and aged 1 year in lightly toasted French oak, an elegant, spicy and textured wine with a long finish.
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Consorzio President Giovanni Busi with his Villa Travignoli Chianti Rufina
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Afterwards, over a dozen producers poured their Chianti wines during a walk-around tasting.  A couple of my favorites, the Fattoria di Fiano Ugo Bing Riserva, I tasted four vintages and the 2016 was the winner.  Poggio Mori and Villa Travignoli poured some nice wines as well, but in all fairness, I ran out of time to taste everyone in attendance.  And these were mostly young wines, just released, and need time to achieve their full potential.
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Chianti really shines with food, and its higher acidity goes well with the rich food of the region.  The mix of sweet, tart and spicy flavors, along with the accents of dried herbs, cured meats, balsamic vinegar and tobacco notes, offer a textured backdrop.  And of note, there is actually a white Chianti, Vin Santo del Chianti, a complex sweet wine made of Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia Bianco, classically paired with Biscotti at the end of a meal, the intense bouquet of dried yellow fruits, like apricots, notes of fig and honey, and sweet spice.

​From its ancient origins, to the 1970’s straw basket incarnations, to today’s distinctive and refined wines, Chianti strikes a chord among wine lovers.  Its aromatic splendor transports us to the rolling hills of Tuscany, and envelops us in its fragrance and savory palate.  Chianti is classic for all the right reasons, tradition and prestige, a love affair for a lifetime, to be sipped and drunk for all occasions and seasons.