On the occasion of Wine & Siena event, entirely devoted to the enological excellences and scheduled for 27th- 28th January 2018, we inaugurate a guide to Sienese DOCG wines, starting with the Chianti Classico.
Chianti Classico characteristics
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As we told you in the article A guide to wine tastings, Chianti Classico is recognized by many wine lovers, especially foreigners, as the most representative Tuscan wine.
Let’s start with the symbol: the Black Rooster represents the ancient Chianti Military League, and was depicted, among other things, by Giorgio Vasari on the ceiling of the Salone dei Cinquecento, at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.
The minimum ratio of Sangiovese grapes for the production of Chianti Classico is 80%. Along with the Sangiovese, other red grapes of the area can be used in a maximum percentage of 20%. These grapes include natives like Canaiolo and Colorino as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
How to taste Chianti Classico? If you have bought a bottle of Chianti to take home, we advise you to open it a few hours beforehand to let the wine breathe, to allow the wine to oxygenate. The ideal serving temperature is 16° to 18° degrees, it is also recommended the choice of a tulip glass to taste this wine at its best, because this kind of glass ex its bouquet.
Recommended pairings
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The best dishes to eat along with this wine are grilled meats, game and wildfowl, roasts, braised meats and aged cheeses, however we suggest you try unusual pairings, such as spicy ethnic foods and even sushi, you will be amazed by the flavor!
As for the types of Chianti Classico, there are 3 different categories: Annata, Riserva or Gran Selezione. The differences consist in the aging of the wine (minimum 24 months for the Riserva, of which 3 aging in bottle) and in the chemical and organoleptic characteristics, which become more restrictive according to the certification.
The Gran Selezione, introduced in 2013, stands out because it is produced by a single vineyard with a minimum aging of 30 months.
Wine & Siena, how to join the event
This is the third consecutive year of Wine & Siena, what better pretext to taste excellent wines during your stay in town?
There will be 160 producers introducing the winners of the WineHunter Award, the certified quality prize awarded by the tasting commission of the Merano Wine Festival.
The event will be organized in different venues, with a preview on Friday, January 26th and the main events scheduled for Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th.
The venues are Palazzo Salimbeni, Grand Hotel Continental Siena – Starhotels Collezione, Aula Magna del Rettorato at Via Banchi di Sotto 55 and Palazzo Comunale.
Showcooking, guided tastings and special dinners such as Small Plates Dinner are the top events Wine & Siena.
The Small Plates Dinner, in particular, will take place on January 26th at 8:00 pm at the Aula Magna del Rettorato dell’Università and the menu will include 11 dishes picked by 11 restaurants in Siena along with a wine selected for the event.
Further info on the official website http://www.wineandsiena.it/.
Credits preview photo: http://www.ravazzi.it/info/I/rif000005/1096/VINO-CHIANTI-COME-APERITIVO-Chianti-salumi-e-formaggi.
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