Chianti Wine

Chianti is a dry, medium- to full-bodied red wine with medium tannins and medium- to high-acidity. It’s produced in a region of the same name within Tuscany, Italy. Made primarily from Sangiovese grapes, Chianti can also include up to 20% other red varieties. Both native red grapes (like Canaiolo Nero, Ciliegiolo, Malvasia Nera and more) and international ones (like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and others) can be used, as long as they are grown within the Chianti region.

A standard bottle of Chianti must be aged for a minimum of four months and must be at least 11.5% ABV. However, some subzones within the Chianti region must attain higher alcohol levels and can require longer aging before release.

Chianti is a dry red wine. Thanks to its noticeable tannins and rather high acidity, and typical rusticity, it is almost always perceived as dry.

Chianti wine comes from the Chianti region, located in Tuscany, within central Italy. Chianti’s production zone stretches from Florence in the north to Siena in the south, and from Arezzo in the east across to Pisa in the west. In total, it encompasses more than 170,000 acres.

Since 1984, the region has held Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) status, the country’s highest level of wine classification. The Chianti DOCG is split into several subzones—each with distinct production requirements—plus Chianti Classico, which holds its own DOCG status and is often considered to yield the highest-quality wines.

Typically, Chianti is a medium- to full-bodied red wine with prominent acidity and notable tannins. Common Chianti wine flavors include red fruits like cherry and strawberry, sometimes accented by notes of dried herbs, spice and balsamic vinegar, with earthy and smoky qualities.

The best way to serve Chianti is in a standard red wine or all-purpose glass, at cellar temp, between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chianti wine prices can vary and a higher cost does not always indicate quality.

To choose the best Chianti wine, start by looking at its label. That will confirm the wine’s regional authenticity, and can offer other clues about quality and aging. Wines labeled as Chianti Classico DOCG are more strictly regulated and are often considered to be the highest quality, with Chianti Classico Gran Selezione being the top of the category. Wines from the Chianti Rufina subzone and the Chianti Colli Senesi subzone are also considered by many to be noteworthy.

Riserva and Gran Selezione bottlings have longer aging requirements, but whether or not that’s more delicious to you is a matter of personal preference.

The most special things about Chianti are its history and tradition, as well as the strict rules around its standard of production.

As you might expect, other red wines made from the Sangiovese grape (whether blends or varietal expressions) will be most similar to Chianti. For other Italian options, try Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano or a Super Tuscan. If you want to try something different but with a similar profile, you may enjoy Nebbiolo or Aglianico.