CHIANTI CLASSICO at GRAN CAFFÈ MILANO
Sangiovese, the most widely planted grape in Italy, has always been the primary grape for Chianti, a full-bodied red wine produced in the heart of Toscana since the 13th century. By the early 1900s, the rest of the world caught on, and Chianti wines was in high demand on a global level.
In the 1980s, the consortium for Chianti reclaimed the name with the creation of the Chianti Classico DOCG, increased regulation within the appellation, and elimination of superfluous blending varietals. The focus returned to Sangiovese, with at least 80% of the varietal required for a wine to be labeled Chianti.
Today, Chianti is a beacon for quality wine produced on a larger scale. Try Chianti Classico with pasta and pizza or with roasted meats as the perfect pairing.
CHIANTI CLASSICO 2016 15 | 60 Certosa di Belriguardo | Toscana | Sangiovese & Merlot
Producing wine since the end of the 16th century, this “certosa” or ancient charterhouse winery of monastic origins now produces a more fruit forward style with good spicy elements. Having said that, this is very much a Chianti Classico which is a crowd pleaser.
“NOVECENTO” CHIANTI 22 | 88 CLASSICO RISERVA 2014 Dievole | Toscana | Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino
Tracing their establishment back to the year 1090, this is classic Riserva, which has been considered the highest level made from the best grapes of that year. Being a Riserva, this is a more complex and richer style of Chianti that is quite an achievement in the cooler 2014 vintage.
“BADIA A PASSIGNANO” 35 | 140 CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE 2015 Antinori | Toscana | Sangiovese
Since 2010, Gran Selezione has now been considered the top level for Chianti Classico by many producers. Badia a Passignano Gran Selezione is produced exclusively from the finest Sangiovese grapes harvested from its namesake vineyard located in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. The wine is aged in the historic cellars under the Badia (abbey) of Passignano that dates back to the 10th century. Expect expressive notes of black cherry, plum, lavender, spice and menthol fill out the wine’s frame effortlessly.
GET 3OZ POURS OF ALL THREE FOR $30 The Legend of the “GALLO NERO” (BLACK ROOSTER)
Legend has it that in medieval times, Florence and Siena decided to use a horse race to end their dispute over the region of Chianti.
The meeting point of two knights, who had left each from Florence and Siena when a rooster sang at dawn, would mark the new border. The Florentines chose a black rooster and kept it for a few days in a box with no food.
On the day of the race, when they took the rooster out of the box, he sang much earlier than dawn. Thus, the Florentine knight had left before the Sienese rider, meeting him only 12 miles from the Siena walls.
Since then, the black rooster has been the symbol of Chianti: first of the Chianti League in 1384 and then of the Chianti Classico Consortium.
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