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A taste of
Chianti
Named after a growing region in Italy, Chianti
is a style of wine made primarily from Sangiovese
grapes. Bright and fruity, Chianti is Italy's most
popular wine type. Today, Sangiovese is also grown
successfully in California.
Sangiovese is Italy's most widely planted red. It's
a native of Tuscany. The word means "blood
of Jove," a romantic nod to the god Jupiter.
Slow-growing and late ripening, Sangiovese grapes
make rich, elegant, strongly fragrant red wine.
The name "Chianti" actually refers to
a specific appellation within Tuscany.
While Chianti today is more often made from nearly
100 percent Sangiovese grapes, Tuscan winemakers are also
experimenting with blending wines. They use Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah in the blends. This
technique has given rise to the new wave of "super
Tuscan" wines that have helped to revitalize
this winegrowing appellation.
Production and marketing changes have pushed Chianti
sales. In 2000, sales in the United States were
up 27 percent.
Today's innovative mix of contemporary and traditional
techniques is steadily improving the quality of
the region's Chianti.
| Recommended
Food Pairings: |
Meat
Chicken
Pork
Fish |
Vegetables
Roasted garlic
Zucchini
Asparagus |
Pastas
Any tomato-based sauce |
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Content provided by E. & J. Gallo Winery,
Modesto, CA. |
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