What is the difference between Sangiovese and Chianti?
Generally, sangiovese refers to a specific red grape variety, while Chianti refers to a type of Italian wine. All Chianti wines contain sangiovese grapes, blending them with cabernet, merlot, or syrah, which provides the wine with a silkier texture, fine finish, and even more fruity flavors than 100% sangiovese wine.
Was 2018 a good year for Chianti?
In the last five years, 2016 and 2018 were the most favourable for Chianti Classico. In these years the grapes achieved the best balance between complexity of aromas, power and richness. But the warm and sunny September and October helped the grapes to ripen well.
Was 2013 a good year for Italian wine?
Tuscany. The good news: 2013 looks like a very good to excellent harvest for most grape varieties. The bad news: Spring rains encouraged mildew and affected flowering in some areas, resulting in reduced yields.
How long should you age a Chianti Classico?
The Chianti Classico Riserva needs to age for 24 months with a minimum of 3 months in bottle and 21 on wood before it can be sold. Young Chianti wines have a fresh fruity somewhat sharp drink while older Riserva wines become more full bodied and soft.
Should I age Chianti?
The minimum alcohol level for Chianti Classico is 12% (compared to 11.5% for Chianti DOCG) and the wines must age for one year prior to release. Riserva wines must be aged for a minimum 24 months, with a minimum 12.5% alc Barriques are becoming commonplace for aging riserva Chianti Classico.
Is Chianti Classico the same as Chianti?
The difference is that Chianti and Chianti Classico are separate appellations. The main grape in both appellations is Sangiovese. In Chianti Classico, the wine must be made from at least 80 percent Sangiovese grapes. In Chianti, only 70 percent needs to be Sangiovese.
Is Chianti Classico better than Chianti?
Today, Chianti Classico DOCG is considered by many to be the highest-quality offering for Chianti. The emblem of Chianti Classico is the black rooster, or gallo nero.
What is the best year for Chianti?
ItalyTuscany/Chianti and Chianti Classico
| Vintage | Score |
|---|---|
| Description Vibrant, elegant wines from a year that began cool, warming from July on; grapes harvested under ideal conditions | |
| Vintage 2015 | Score 97 |
| Description Long-lived, powerful and concentrated reds, yet the best have purity and elegance; great value |
What is a good year for Chianti?
ItalyTuscany/Chianti and Chianti Classico
| Vintage | Score |
|---|---|
| Vintage 2014 | Score 88 |
| Description Cool, wet summer hindered ripening, but a fine September saved the vintage. Best to date are slim, elegant reds | |
| Vintage 2013 | Score 93 |
| Description Sleek, vibrant wines with bright, focused fruit flavors; at worst, lean and tart |
Is 2017 a good year for Italian wine?
2017 was very hot, resulting in ripe, forward wines that are lighter than usual. 2018 was a success, with beautiful balance for all whites and reds, while 2019 has proven outstanding for white wines, while the reds show exceptional promise.