By Dwight Casimere
Titian’s famous portrait of a medieval knight in armor graces the label of this outstanding example of Chianti Classico wine. Il Grigio Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG ($25.99) is a perfect example of the full-bodied, succulent wines that are made entirely from Sangiovese, the King of Italian wine grapes.
Chianti Classico is a classification of wine quite distinct from the name Chianti. Wine produced throughout the region of Tuscany can be labeled Chianti, which is regarded as the basic Italian table wine that we all know and love. Chianti Classico refers to a specific region of Chianti. The designation is governed by much higher standards and stricter methods of production than its Chianti counterpart.
Chianti Classico is readily identified by the symbol of the Black Rooster emblazoned on the neck of every bottle of wine produced in the region. The classification in part grew out of the confusion caused by the proliferation of Chianti wine and the coopting of the name by producers far beyond the actual Chianti region.
In 1924, the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium was created with the express mission of ending the confusion by establishing strict standards of quality within the region. By 1967, Chianti Classico was officially recognized as a DOC (Denominazione di Origine) and then upgraded to DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), Italy’s highest level of wine classification.
Chianti Classico has become known, not only for its delicious high-quality wines, but also for its commitment to sustainability, organic viticulture and the reduction of human impact on the environment.
Il Grigio Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2019 from San Felice ($25.99) is created from Sangiovese grapes grown at the winery’s San Felice Estate vineyards at Castelnuovo Berardenga in Siena.
Fermented on the skins under cool temperatures for 18-20 days in stainless steel, the wine is then allowed to rest in giant Slavonian oak casks, with a portion aged in small French Oak barrels. The wine is then aged for 6 months in the bottle.
The resulting wine is rich, almost silky in texture. A deep Ruby red color gives way to an intense aroma of violet flowers and ripe red cherries. Full-bodied with succulent tannins and a fresh acidity, the wine has complex flavors of black cherries, red berries, a hint of oregano and subtle notes of black pepper and shaved cinnamon sticks. It also has hints of black truffles, a delicacy found in the woods in the hills of the Chianti Classico region in summer.
Exuberant and welcoming, this is a great wine to serve at an end-of-summer backyard barbecue or patio party. It goes great with just about anything from the grill and is a wonderful companion with pizza, ravioli, lasagna, even some good old American dogs and burgers. Switch ethnic gears and have a Fajita night on the patio. This is a wine that can dance to almost any summertime tune. For more on San Felice wines and Chianti Classico visit agricolasanfelice.com and chianticlassico.net.
