In episode 13, we talked about Chianti (this region is near and dear to my heart because I studied abroad in Florence)…. today I get into Chianti Classico. One of the biggest differences between the two is that a Chianti has to be made with at least 70% of the Sangiovese grape and a Chianti Classico has to be made with at least 80% of the Sangiovese grape. Diego Finocchi (today’s producer) went to school to be a winemaker and at age 24 bought twelve acres from a local farmer (aka he bought land in a prime location - the historic part of Chianti) in 2006 and created his own wine label (AMAZING).

 

I get into the different classifications of Chianti Classico (it’s taken very serious in Italy) and the grapes used to finish the Chianti Classico blend (keep in mind some can be made from 100% of the Sangiovese grape). Today’s Chianti Classico falls under the third classification called annata classification which means it has to be aged a minimum of 12 months.  The second classification is called Chianti Classico Riserva which means it has to be aged a minimum of 24 months. Lastly, the top tier classification is called Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (I mistakingly say Gran Reserva a couple of times throughout the episode… please know I meant to say Gran Selezione) in which the requirements are that it must be single vineyard grapes or the best grapes available and it must be aged a minimum of 30 months.

 

I open the 2020 vintage from this producer and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint at all.  I gave it a 9/10….. so you must check this one out!

 

Hope you enjoy the episode… and a glass of Chianti Classico.

 

 

 

1:35 - Difference between Chianti & Chianti Classico

3:30 - Details about today’s producer

4:10 - L’erta di Radda; name of the vineyard & label

5:10 - 2009 Diego creates his first Chianti Classico

5:40 - Chianti Classico classifications

6:10 - 5 grapes used to finish the Chianti Classico blend

7:20 - Chianti Classico Annata

7:40 - Chianti Classico Riserva

7:55 - Chianti Classico Gran Selezione* 

9:20 - Chianti Classico stamp

10:30 - Open up the bottle for tasting

12:50 - Typical color for Chianti Classico’s

14:30 - Olfactory Analysis

15:15 - Where the tannins come from usually

15:55 - Taste the wine

 

 

 

Today’s wine: 2020 L’erta di Radda Chianti Classico $37 (Check your local wine stores to see if they sell it at a lower price, this was the best online deal I found)

https://ny.eatalyvino.com/wines/L-Erta-di-Radda-Chianti-Classico-2020-w5666689id 

 

 

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