It is usual, once out of the Italian national borders, to find some words identifying the true essence of Italy and its atmospheres, coming from specific places and intertwining with them inseparably. For instance, it is the case of some luxury car brands, such as Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini, coming from the Emilia region and inspiring the excellence and lavishness of the luxury car sector, typically Made in Italy, as in Italy everyone loves saying when referring to all-Italian products.
From a culinary point of view then, how not to mention the Italian pizza, one of the most famous dishes all over the world, first prepared in Naples and then spread in all of Italy. When it comes to drinks, and particularly to wine, among lots and lots of refined Italian products, really no one can match the Italian and Tuscany atmosphere, spirit and flavours that Chianti triggers and inspires, being an authentic expression of true quality par excellence.
Its Origins
The name Chianti, a true delicacy in all of Italy, and Tuscany in particular, comes from the area it is produced. The Chianti region, in the surroundings of Florence and including the areas of Sienna and Arezzo too, is the name of the lands where the Chianti vineyards grow to produce this exceptional wine. Although it is well known that its production started during first the Etruscan and then the Ancient Roman times, thanks to inscriptions and relics found, the Chianti wine production is then certified in the 13th century, as a result of the work of the Lega del Chianti association (true to its name).
From the 17th century, the Chianti wine is first off-the record and then officially named after its region, eventually replacing all its previous names, such as “Vino di Firenze” (Florence’s Wine) and the more suggestive “Vermiglio”, from its traditional vermilion colour.
To tell the truth the name originally seems to refer to the family name “Clante”, of Etruscan derivation, and particularly spread among the people of that civilization. The Etruscans were originally located in the area and immediately understood its crop potential promoting the cultivation of vines. According to an interpretation never verified fully, the name Chianti could also come from the latin word clangor, literally “metal noise” produced by weapons in a battle or while hunting, or could even mean “wing stroke”. Stroking its wings, Chianti really took flight, becoming synonymous with “top quality wine” all over the world, delighting every palate in Europe and overseas, and being extremely successful on the Asian market too.
Its Geographical Area
At a geographical level, the Chianti region is currently formed by hills including the three Tuscan provinces already mentioned, i.e. those of Florence, Sienna and Arezzo, with an extension of about 20 square kilometres, touched by five rivers called Pesa, Ombrone, Arbia, Staggia and Greve.
Back in ancient times, this location was far from the main means of communications of Roman origin. This kept its land flourishing and also far from the complications caused by the barbaric invasions that lead to the final fall of the Roman Empire. As centuries went by, in the Middle Ages the area witnessed frequent clashes between the cities of Florence and Sienna, which challenged themselves in numerous battles on this land in order to prevail on the other and eventually conquer it. Further on the area was entirely dedicated to agriculture, and especially to the cultivation of vines and olive trees, thanks to massive deforestation too.
Characterised by fortresses and castles full of history, and by suggestive hamlets that seem frozen in time being placed between history and tradition, the exceptional, excellent taste of Chianti could not find any better glory than here, in a dream panorama made of magnificent landscapes and relaxing atmospheres. A truly fantastic taste, quoted in a lot of movies as well: this is Chianti.
Its Characteristics
The Chianti Classico (Classic Chianti) is essentially bound to its intense red colour, it goes without saying, along with its ruby shades and maroon nuances. Once tasted, it is soft, velvety and at the same time dry and sapid, with scents of spices and berries.
It is produced almost by 70% from Sangiovese grapes and by 10% from Canaiolo Nero grapes. It is an excellent wine for every occasion, to enjoy both at lunch and at dinner, primarily matching rich, well-rounded main courses and red meat and game-based second courses. More recently it goes well for a classy, posh Aperitivo time too, a usual evening cult event started in Italy that has become more and more famous from the second half of the 90s on.
It needs an 11-month-long ageing time before being ready to be bottled and it can be tasted only from October 1st of the year next to the very one its grapes were harvested. Its alcoholic strength is about 12°-12,5°.
An excellent wine, awarded the DOC label (Controlled Designation of Origin) from 1967 and the DOCG label (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin) from 1984.
Its production is so refined that, in 1996, it became an independent DOCG product marked by the Gallo Nero (Black Rooster) symbol, in reference to the Consorzio del Chianti Classico DOCG, i.e. the association of companies meant to protect the quality and production of the Chianti Classico wine.
Besides Chianti Classico, which is the most famous and known all over the world, there is another variety of Chianti, the Chianti Riserva, with dark red shades, a more elegant and full-bodied flavour and a very persistent scent. It is different from the Chianti Classico variety because of the ageing time it needs, which is 24 months long, three of which to be spent once it has been bottled already. Only 20% of the Chianti Classico grapes can become Chianti Riserva, the most refined Chianti variety, aged in specific durmast barrels to glorify the very moment it can be finally served and tasted.
To enjoy a glass of Chianti at its best it is advisable to let it breath before tasting it. So, just open your Chianti bottle a couple of hours before consuming your wine, at a temperature of 18°, pour it in a tulip-shaped glass and sip it to enjoy its magical flavour even more.
The novelist Robert Louis Stevenson used to say that “wine is bottled poetry”.
So, lose yourself in the poetry inspired by the exceptional Tuscan panoramas, and let your gaze rest upon hills, uplands, endless fields or the numerous sea places. A lot of landscapes, stories, to feel and enjoy fully in your dream villa in Tuscany. All of this in the company of a glass of the best Chianti too.
