Piccini Chianti Classico – Full of Fabulous Fruit

85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 5% Cingiolo from Tuscany, Italy.

SRP of $16 and available for as low as $14. Sample submitted for review.

From the bottle:

“Chianti Classico DOCG is an intimate expression of the Chianti Classico area, embodying 130 years of winemaking tradition of the Piccini Family.

13.0% Alcohol”

Chianti is confusing. With 8 different sub-zones, varying rules on production, a classification called Superiore that can be used in 7 of the 8 zones, and a number of wines that could be labeled either as Chianti or things like Brunello di Montalcino or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, it’s no wonder consumers are confused. I guess this is what happens where your wine region has been around since the early 1700’s…300 years later there are a lot of rules! My best advice is to pretty much ignore all the labels and just drink a bunch of wine from this area to find what you like. And believe me there’s plenty of affordable delicious wine to explore! Take today’s wine for example…

The 2009 Piccini Chianti Classico is a bit restrained when first opened and needs a bit of time for the aromas to open up. When they do you’ll find plenty of delicious fruit, mostly berry, with a bit of sage and other baking spices. Tasting the wine reveals lots more fruit, again mostly berry, but quite tart. The wine features silky, dusty tannins and comes off as a bit rough around the edges but that is exactly what you want in a Chianti. Add in some really nice acidity and you have a great match for rustic pasta dishes. It ends with more delicious tart berry fruit and good length. Excellent!

See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.