Tastes change and fashion is fickle, yet Chianti remains one of the world’s most beloved wines. With roots stretching back centuries, this iconic Italian red comes from a broad swath of central Tuscany and is officially divided into seven production zones.
The most famous of these is Chianti Classico, the hilly area between Florence and Siena, which produces many outstanding wines. But don’t overlook wines labeled simply “Chianti” from the other zones. Those wines are often lighter in body, more approachable at a younger age and generally more affordable—qualities that make them ideal for casual meals, picnics and barbecues. In warm-weather months, Chianti can be the quintessential summer red.
By law, Chianti must contain between 70 and 100 percent Sangiovese, Tuscany’s principal grape. When producers use less than 100 percent Sangiovese they may blend in other native Italian varieties; international grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are permitted but limited to a maximum of 10 percent of the blend.
I recently sampled 11 Chianti wines available on the market and can recommend several that offer excellent value and character. All of them carry the DOCG designation (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), Italy’s highest quality appellation. Price points for the wines I tried ranged from about $10 to $20, with most retailing around $15 or less.
San Fabiano Chianti 2008 is a bright, satisfying wine built from 85 percent Sangiovese. It shows appealing fruit flavors—cherry foremost—along with a hint of leather and refreshing acidity that keeps it lively on the palate.
Ruffino Chianti 2008 offers an inviting bouquet that mixes floral perfume with ripe cherry notes, plus a subtle suggestion of nuts and spice. This medium-bodied wine is composed of roughly 75 percent Sangiovese and is both enjoyable and easy to pair with a range of foods.
I Veroni Chianti Rúfina 2008 stands out for a remarkably perfumed nose of cherries and other ripe red fruits. It is well structured, showing balance and concentration that suggest it will age gracefully for several years.
Fattorie Giannozzi Chianti Colli Fiorentini 2007 is a fruit-forward wine with excellent balance and bright acidity. Its freshness and approachable style make it best enjoyed while young.
Frescobaldi Rúfina Nipozzano Chianti Riserva 2007 displays spiced, savory notes—tobacco, clove and cinnamon—on the nose. It is a smooth, skillfully made Riserva with a lingering finish and the structure to develop further with age.
La Cignozza Chianti Colli Senesi 2006 is an elegant, 85 percent Sangiovese expression that moves between cherry fruit and tobacco aromas. Its smooth texture and balanced profile make it a reliable choice for both meals and quiet sipping.
Overall, Chianti remains a versatile and dependable red: expressive of place, varied across zones and styles, and available at price points that make it easy to enjoy often. Whether you prefer the depth and tradition of Chianti Classico or the lighter, more immediate charm of other Chianti zones, you’re likely to find bottles that suit a range of occasions and pair beautifully with simple Italian fare like tomato-based pastas, grilled vegetables, cured meats and aged cheeses.