Chianti is Italy’s best-known and most celebrated wine. With more than 300 years of ‘official’ wine making, Chianti is the prize of Tuscany. This iconic wine and its producers were celebrated at the Chianti Lovers U.S. Tour 2022, organized by IEEM (International Event and Exhibition Management), the Miami-based agency specializing in marketing, organizing, and managing events, exhibitions, and public relations for the wine industry.
Chianti tradition goes all the way back to the time of the Etruscans, who inhabited the area centuries before the Roman Empire. Chianti is integral with Tuscany. Once recognizable with its classic straw covered bottles, that image is now rarely used and today, the Consortium for the Protection of Chianti wine proudly displays the trademark Black Rooster on the neck of each of its wine bottles.
Chianti is spread over seven sub areas with 8 denominations: Chianti Classico in and around Florence, Colli Aretini towards Arezzo, Colli Fiorentini, surrounding Florence, Colli Senesi, near Siena, Colline Pisano towards Pisa, Montalbano, in the Montalbano hills of Pisoia and Rufina in the hills near Rufina, east of Florence.
In 1984, Chianti obtained the denomination DOCG (Controlled and Guaranteed Denomination of Origin, the highest recognition for quality Italian wine.
Made with at least 80% Sangiovese grapes, the King of Italian wine grapes, the taste, and character of Chianti is unmistakable. Just as wine is celebrated in Italy, so is its cuisine. It is no accident that Chianti is a wine that pairs naturally with food, particularly hearty Italian dishes, and cheeses. Some Chiantis blended with international grape varieties such as Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah, may also find themselves in the company of a wider array of cuisines, even more delicate meats, seafood, cheeses, and cured meats.
Pizza in its many incarnations is a Chianti Lovers dream! This fact was proven at a recent celebration of all things Chianti at the Chianti Lovers US Tour 2022. The Consorzio Vino Chianti presented 20 Tuscan producers from Italy’s most loved and recognized designations. A Master Class and Guided Tasting, “The Chianti Lovers Experience” presented by Luca Alves, of Consorzio Vino Chianti and Robin Kelly O’Connor, Managing Director RKO Vine Global.
