An excellent Costco find that goes excellently with Volpi Foods Wine Salame, the Cafaggio Chianti Classico Riserva. 100% Sangiovese from vineyards located in Cafaggio, Conca d'Oro, Panzano in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy. The wine is aged for 18 months in 65 hl Slavonian oak … [Read more...]
Chianti! The 2023 Guide To The Best Chianti Wines
Let's face it, Chianti can be 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 1700s -- 300 years later there are a lot of rules!
The base level of Chianti wines (sometimes with the bottles wrapped in a straw basket) will simply say "Chianti" on the label with no other designations. These are inexpensive, easy to find and can be quite good -- but let's look a little deeper.
Many of the best Chianti wines come from the Chianti Classico subzone within the larger region. To carry this designation a wine must not only come from this sub-region, which is generally thought to produce better wines but also meet more stringent production standards such as the use of at least 80% Sangiovese versus at least 70% for the wider region and 12 months of aging before release. The famous black rooster on the neck of the bottle is an easy indication of a Chianti Classico wine.
Click here to get a printable shopping list of the best Chianti wines!
Within all the subregions there is also a Riserva (24 months of aging) level. Within Chianti Classico there is an additional Gran Selezione (30 months of aging) level. Within all the subregions except Classico there is a Superiore designation that requires 9 months of aging before release (versus around 6 months for wines just labeled as Chianti).
Chianti Rufina, while the smallest subzone of the bigger region, is also generally regarded as the next best tier of quality. The Rufina area offers winemakers a slightly higher elevation and a bit cooler climate which helps influence the flavor of the grapes.
The other 6 subzones are Colli Aretini, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colline Pisane, Montalbano and Montespertoli, most of which you've probably never heard of (but should probably explore as well!)
After all this, 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 are plenty of affordable and delicious wines to explore!
Read on for our list of The Best Chianti Under $20!
Photo Credit: Christian Delbert/Shutterstock.com
Basilica Cafaggio Single Estate Chianti Classico - The Best $10 Chianti Classico?
Revisiting a favorite Costco find! The Basilica Cafaggio Single Estate Chianti Classico. 100% Sangiovese from vineyards in Panzano within the Chianti Classico zone in Tuscany, Italy. The wine is aged in Slavonian oak for 12 months. … [Read more...]
Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Riserva - Too Good To Be True?
A combination of factors make this wine seem almost too good to be true, the Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Riserva from Costco. [UPDATE March 2023: Below is a review of the 2019 vintage of this wine. After tasting the just released 2020 vintage of this normally very … [Read more...]
Adventure Series Chianti - Surprisingly Competent Stuff
Authentic Chianti character for just $4.99 courtesy of Aldi, the Adventure Series Chianti DOCG. Primarily Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy. … [Read more...]
Cultusboni RS Chianti Classico – Downright Delicious
Extremely tasty and priced right, the Cultusboni RS Chianti Classico. 100% organically grown Sangiovese from the Chianti Classico subzone in Tuscany, Italy. The wine is aged in oak barrels and casks for a short period of time. … [Read more...]
Cecchi Chianti Classico Storia di Famiglia - Quite Impressive
Pairs well with good food and good company, the Cecchi Chianti Classico Storia di Famiglia. 90% Sangiovese and 10% other red varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Colorino from the Chianti Classico appellation in Tuscany, Italy. … [Read more...]
Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico Riserva – Level Up
Looking to up your Chianti game? Splurge on the Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico Riserva. 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, all estate grown, from the Chianti Classico subzone in Tuscany, Italy. This is a Riserva level wine meaning it has at … [Read more...]
Cultusboni Cetamura Chianti - Friday Night Pizza Wine
A true to form Chianti for less than $10, the Cultusboni Cetamura Chianti DOCG. 100% organically grown Sangiovese from the Colli Senesi and Colli Aretini subzones of Chianti in Tuscany, Italy. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and ages for just a month in the … [Read more...]
Clemente VII Chianti Classico Riserva - A Smooth Sangiovese
A Chianti Classico Riserva Bulk Buy from Costco, the Castelli del Grevepesa Clemente VII. 100% Sangiovese from the Chianti Classico zone in Tuscany, Italy. The wine is aged 50% in Slavonian oak barrels for 24 months in and 50% in barriques for 12 months. … [Read more...]
Renzo Masi Chianti Rufina - Bring On The Tomato Sauce!
A simple yet lovely wine, the Renzo Masi Chianti DOCG from Rufina. 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino from Chianti Rufina, Tuscany, Italy. … [Read more...]
Cecchi Chianti Classico Riserva di Famiglia – The Good Stuff
Only the best for the family! When it's time to break out the good stuff, the Cecchi Chianti Classico Riserva di Famiglia. 90% Sangiovese and 10% other red varieties from Castellina in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy. The wine is aged for 12 months in barriques and tonneaux and 3 … [Read more...]
Cecchi Chianti - Just Good
Forget all the fancy names like Classico and Riserva, sometimes a basic Chianti like this one from Cecchi is all you really need. 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo and Colorino from Tuscany, Italy. The wine has 4 g/L of residual sugar. … [Read more...]
Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva - Love At First Sniff
I'm crazy for Chianti! Reviewing a recent vintage of a favorite wine available at Costco, the Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva. 90% Sangiovese and 10% other varieties (Malvasia Nera, Colorino, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) from Chianti Rufina, Tuscany, Italy. … [Read more...]
Frescobaldi Castiglioni Chianti - Smooth and Easy To Love
The lovably smooth and delicious Marchesi de Frescobaldi Castiglioni Chianti. A blend of Sangiovese (at least 70%) and Merlot from Tuscany, Italy. The wine is aged for 6 months in stainless steel and another 2 months in bottle before release. … [Read more...]
90 Plus Cellars Classic Series Chianti Riserva and Cotes du Rhone - Everyday Values
Daily drinker alert! Two highly recommended wines under 12 bucks each. … [Read more...]
Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Riserva - Classic Indeed!
Everything we love in a good Chianti. 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot from Tuscany, Italy. The wine is aged for 14 months in a combination of medium to large casks (15 to 35 hectolitres) and 225 litre French oak barrels. … [Read more...]
Luiano Chianti Classico - Lip-Smackingly Good
The smooth, ripe and tart Luiano Chianti Classico. 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany, Italy. The wine is aged for a total of 12 months in stainless steel with 10% of the wine aged for 6 months in oak. It has residual sugar of 2.5 g/L. … [Read more...]
Stefano di Blasi & Federico Cerelli Chianti Classico - Magnifico
Naked Wines spreads its Angel wings. Sangiovese from Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy. … [Read more...]
Warming Winter Reds Wine #2 - Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva
90% Sangiovese, 7% Canaiolo and 3% Colorino from Tuscany, Italy. The wine spends 18 months in French oak barriques. Sample submitted for review. SRP of $23 and available for as low as $19. Imported by MW Imports USA. From the bottle: "Fattoria Bianchi produces Monsanto … [Read more...]
Nipozzano Vecchie Viti Chianti Rufina Riserva - Serendipitous Sangiovese
90% Sangiovese with the remaining 10% a blend of Malvasia Nera, Colorino and Canaiolo from Tuscany, Italy. Sample submitted for review. SRP of $30 and available for as low as $26 (Saturday Splurge). From the bottle: "This wine, historically dedicated to new births in the … [Read more...]
Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico Riserva - A Terrific Tuscan
80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany, Italy. From the bottle: "Tenuta di Arceno is a historical winery situated near the medieval village of San Gusme where one can still see the footprints of the Etruscans. Our Chianti Classico Riserva is … [Read more...]
Tenuta Di Arceno Strada al Sasso Chianti Classico Riserva - Fantastico!
100% Sangiovese from Chianti, Italy. SRP of $36 with an average price on Wine-Searcher of $32. 797 cases produced. Imported by Majestic Imports. From the bottle: "Tenuta Di Arceno is a historical winery situated near the medieval village of San Gusme where one can still … [Read more...]
Il Tarocco Chianti Classico - Trader Joe's Top Picks Wine #3
90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo Nero from Tuscany, Italy. Purchased at Trader Joe's for $9.99. From the bottle: "Made from carefully selected Sangiovese (90%) and Canaiolo Nero (10%) grapes. This wine has intense ruby color and aromas of ripe red fruit. This is a full, … [Read more...]
Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva - The Real Thing
80% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo Nero and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany, Italy. Sample submitted for review. SRP of $20, available for as low as $14 and at Costco for $16. From the bottle: "Produced from grapes grown in the "Classico" zone of Chianti, between Siena and … [Read more...]
Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico - Smooth and Graceful
100% Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy. SRP of $23 and available for as low as $14. From the bottle: "Il Molino di Grace, 'The Windmill of Grace', is located just south of Panzano, in the heart of Chianti Classico. Named for the ancient windmill on the property and owner … [Read more...]
Wine For Dummies - Marketing Gone Wild?
Find out if this is an unfortunate extension of an iconic brand or the real deal. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon from California; Chianti and Pinot Grigio from Italy. All four wines have an SRP of $10 and are available for $9. Samples submitted for review. (Unfortunately … [Read more...]