Although the wicker basket Chianti is still alive and well at many eateries and liquor stores, the harsh, tannic liquid that lies within is a bare cousin to the lovely wines that are now being produced from the same region. Although Chianti is a place, not a grape, it is made up of the sangiovese grape, often with a little cabernet sauvignon, syrah, or merlot thrown in as law allows. The quality and qualities of Chianti have changed quite dramatically within the past 40 years; in part to create better overall wines, but also to move with the times and compete with the Super Tuscans. Well, whatever or however these wines were improved, it showed in the tasting, as we had a great time.
DaVinci Chianti, 2005. Aromas of dark fruits and a strong waft of alcohol. A bit too tannic in the mouth. Not much to write home about, but still drinkable. Paired nicely with Piave cheese, but there's not much that doesn't. $14
Poggiotondo Chianti Supierore, 2004. Not sure what Superiore means here, except that it's just a qualifier for the house. Too hot, besides that, nothing else standing out on the nose or palate. Didn't even pair well. Skip this one for sure. $12.99
Renzo Masi Rufina Reserva, 2003. Definitely oaky - probably from merlot. Hot and too tannic. No balance here at all. This seems like it was trying to be a Super Tuscan. At $9 this was at least more reasonably priced, but if it's not good, well, it doesn't really matter then.
Pietrafitta, Collinsenesi, Tumta di Nozzole, 2004. Ok, I know I have some spelling errors in the title, place, whatever. Italian labels are not the easiest to read. This wine was lighter in all aspects - color, aroma, acidity and tannins. This seems more like a true Chianti, or what the wine used to be, the good ones- just not quite right. On the plus side, it paired extremely well with all of the food, especially tomatoes. This seems like the right choice for that pizza or plate of spaghetti. $11.99
La Forra, Classico Reserva, 2001. A Chianti that's both from the Classico region and a Reserva is unusual. The Classico wines are what they are, and typically are not qualified, so this was of real interest. The nose was heady with black fruits. The taste was complex with a tinge of oak (there's that merlot again) and well balanced. This was the winner of the pack. Paired well with all. $17.
Ruffino Azano Classico, 2004. Definitely quaffable - a real gulper. Smells like grilled chicken? I can never trust my tasting notes for the later bottles....
The food was fab thanks to yours truly, the wines were at worst fun and at best, delicious. And then the beer came. Playing with itunes, singing, walking to Fergies...oh man....I can feel that hangover even now...
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