Chianti

Querceto di Castellina L’Aura Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy, 2008.

Grapes 90% Sangiovese, 10% Ciliegiolo Sangiovese [san-joe-vay-zee] is the main grape in Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Carmignano and Brunello di Montalcino.   Ciliegiolo [chee-lee-eh-joh-loh] is a much more obscure grape than Sangio, and it took a little research to find out some info! We’re all still learning, right? The name is apparently derived from the Italian word for cherry in Italian: ciliegi. Through clonal research, Ciliegiolo has been discovered to be the parent of…

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Di Majo Norante Sangiovese, Umbria – Italy

Grapes 100% Sangiovese [San-joe-vay-say] The name Sangiovese is thought to come from Sanguis Jovis or “Blood of Jove” (Jove being the Roman name for Jupiter), indicating that wines were made from Sangiovese grapes even back in Roman times. Facts Di Majo Norante Sangiovese has been an easy-drinking Italian go-to of mine for quite some time now. Considering how many bottles I’ve popped open over the last few years, I thought a review was warranted. If…

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The Difference Between Chianti, Chianti Classico and Chianti Riserva

First-off, I don’t know where the above photo was taken, but once I find out I’m booking a plane ticket!!! So last night, I found myself hosting an informal wine class for a discerning group of tasters here in Jacksonville. The theme of the night was Tuscany, and so I decided to put a heavy emphasis on Chianti, as it goes without saying that it’s Italy’s most famous wine (possibly their most famous export). As…

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