The Wide World of Wine-Chianti Lovers U.S. Tour 2022 in Chicago
By Dwight Casimere
The roots of Chianti wine go back to the time of the Romans and beyond, yet its producers continue to find ways to reimagine Italy’s most famous wine. Chianti Lovers U.S. Tour 2022 landed in Chicago recently with a look at how today’s producers are writing a new page in the wine’s history.
Chianti wine is made primarily from the King of Italian grapes, Sangiovese. Winemakers are finding ways of incorporating native grape varieties that give their wine a fresh twist. They are also combining ancient techniques with modern technology to give the wine a new expression.
Presented by Master Sommelier Jim Bube and Chianti Wine Ambassador Luca A. Alves, the shades and vibrant attitude of Tuscany’s most versatile wine were revealed in a unique vertical tasting of wines from the 2014 through 2020 vintages. For wine lovers and connoisseurs, the experience was tantamount to obtaining tickets to the World Series.
Among the standout wines was Poggio Mori Blu di Vigna Chianti Riserva from winemaker Vincenzo Poerio ($20). Visit poggiomori.com for the direct online shop. An expressive and complex wine, Poggie Mori is made from old vine grapes that are harvested by hand. A ‘field blend’ of Sangiovese with indigenous Canaiolo and Colorino grapes gives the wine a rustic character reminiscent of the type of wine enjoyed by the locals of previous generations.
Fermentation takes place with the spontaneous years that are already present on the skins of the grape before refining over a period ranging from 24 to 36 months.
What makes the wine so distinctive is the fact that it achieves its complex flavors from being entirely aged without the use of oak. After two years in stainless steel vats, the wine is further aged for at least another year in the bottle.
With silky tannins and a robust 13% alcohol backbone, this is a terrific wine to enjoy with a thick Long bone Rib Eye or Porterhouse just lightly passed over hot coals on the grill. Serve it at cellar temperature (about 55-60 degrees) for maximum impact. Be sure to let the wine breathe for at least half an hour. Winemaker Vincenzo Poerio served the wine using a special aerator pourer from Centellino ($30), available on Amazon, Walmart or centellino.com.
This wine totally blew me away. It is a stunning value for the price and an excellent example of how modern day winemakers in Tuscany are taking their most famous wine, Chianti, to new heights.