Course: Tuscany
Class 2: Chianti and Montalcino
CHIANTI OVERVIEW
History
- 1880s - traditional Chianti blend of thirteen grapes formulated, including:
Reds: Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Mammolo, Colorino, Ciliegiolo
Whites: Malvasia and Trebbiano
- 1970s - poor quality wines resulting from:
Mass production
Poor clones
Massive vineyard expansion beyond the original Chianti sites (which now account for only about 40% of modern-day Chianti)
Government subsidies
Increased proportion of easy-to-grow but low-quality Malvasia/Trebbiano in blend
- Past 20 years' attention to the vineyard dramatically improves wine quality
Key Areas, Key Wines
- Wine labeled "Chianti" can come from anywhere in Chianti
- Weightier blends of same varieties from Chianti Classico, Chianti Rufina, Colli Fiorentini
- Riservas: fuller-bodied wines aged for a minimum of two years, three months
Chianti DOCGs
- The entire zone of Chianti may use...
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