What Does Chianti Wine Taste Like? (Characteristics, Food Pairings)

Chianti is a complex red wine made in the Chianti region of Tuscany in Italy. But the earliest records show it started out as a white wine!

Today, this medium-bodied red is produced almost exclusively in Tuscany's Chianti region with the Sangiovese grape.

But, what does Chianti wine taste like?

A typical Chianti wine is acidic with firm tannins. It has notes of dark cherries and plums coupled with an intoxicating bouquet of dried herbs and tobacco. 

Keep reading to delve into Chianti’s tasting notes, characteristics, and wine classification system. We’ve also recommended some ideal food pairings and a few gorgeous Chianti bottles you can try today!

Let’s learn more about this gorgeous Tuscan wine!

Chianti Wine Taste and Characteristics

Typically, Chianti tasting notes include mentions of delicious dark cherries, balsamic vinegar, dried herbs, tobacco, and smoke. 

Made almost exclusively of Sangiovese grapes, you'd be hard-pressed to find an Italian vineyard without this grape on any Italian wine tour! 

It's the backbone of the classic Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and the only grape variety allowed in the esteemed Brunello di Montalcino. It also prominently features in Super Tuscan red blends.

Oak aging can also draw out wild raspberry and plum flavors from the Sangiovese grape, giving the Chianti a lovely, balanced structure. 

Sometimes, Tuscan winemakers may soften Chianti using other red wine grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Merlot.

Now, most Chianti wines hail from the Chianti Classico wine region in Italy. However, Chianti Rufina, a sub-zone of the Chianti region, also produces high-quality wines. 

Ideal Food Pairings with Chianti Wine 

A classic Italian wine, Chianti pairs well with the various textures and flavors of Italian food. Its high acidity cuts through rich meats and heavier dishes elevating your wine tasting experience!

The Sangiovese grape lends itself well to almost any meal, whether you use a lighter wine or an opulent Brunello di Montalcino. 

Some popular Chianti food pairings include: 

• Tomato sauce pasta dishes 
• Pizza
• Steaks
• Slow-roasted pork
• Salami
• Game, especially wild boar
• Roast lamb 
• Pecorino cheese 
• Aged Parmigiano

Similar to most red wines, a Chianti Classico wouldn’t work well with sweet dishes or desserts. 

Now, when you’re out to buy wines from a Chianti winery, look out for these terms on the labels, which also give you cues on wine quality and taste.

Chianti Wine Classification 

Here are the common classification terms you’ll find on the labels and what they imply: 

• Standard Chianti: Contains a minimum of 70% Sangiovese
• Chianti Classico: Contains at least 80% Sangiovese and aged in oak barrels for seven months
• Chianti Riserva: Riserva wines are aged for at least 24 months.
• Chianti Superiore or Gran Selezione: This is the highest classification where the wine must be aged at least 30 months. Superiore wines can come from any single-estate in the Chianti DOCG, except the Chianti Classico region.  

Enjoy a Chilled Glass of Chianti!

Keep a lighter Chianti Classico wine in your refrigerator to tone down the acidity. 

If you're a wine lover and want the creme de la creme of this Italian red wine, try some of our top picks:

• 1981 Castello di Ama Vigneto Bellavista ($726)
• 1975 Castell'in Villa Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG ($581)
• 1990 Castello di Verrazzano 'Sassello' ($560)

Find and invest in the right Classico Chianti with Vinovest, a world-class online wine investment company. Check out the website to explore your opportunities now!