Chianti wines are red grape wines from the Italian region of Tuscany. The word “chianti” can be used to describe both a type of wine or an actual place where grapes are grown.
One way to categorize chianti wines is by their color – Rosso (red), Riserva (aged red), or Bianco (white). Chiantis can also be categorized based on whether they have a dry or sweet taste. Finally, a third category describes whether the Chianti is still sparkling or semi-sparkling.
When Chianti wine tasting (degustazione vino chianti), there are four specific questions you should ask yourself to determine which type of wine it might be and what your preferences are for taste.
Do I Like Dry Wines? – If you prefer dry wines, then a young style red will be your preference. Tuscan winemakers say, “Rosso di Tufo, Bianco di fossa,” which means “red wine from Tufa, white wine from the pit.”
Do I Like Sweet Wines?If you like sweet wines, your preference will be an off-dry or sweet wine.
What is the Style of Wine? – Knowing what style of Chianti wine you are tasting can help you determine if you like it or not. There are three main styles:
a) Traditional, a simple wine that pairs well with pasta dishes.
b) Modern tends to be fruitier and pairs better with cheeses or spicy food like pizza.
c) Super Tuscan, which has an international style taste and doesn’t necessarily follow the traditional rules of Chianti tasting.
What Food Should I Pair it With? – Once you know the style of wine, it’s easier to pick food pairings. Think simple Italian dishes like pasta with red sauce or a meat dish for traditional Chianti wines. Modern Chiantis can be paired with cheeses and even spicy foods like pizza.
In conclusion, the taste is subjective, so it’s essential to ask yourself the four questions when tasting any wine, not just Chianti wines. By doing so, you’ll be able to understand better your palate and what you like in a glass of wine.