Chianti Wine

Chianti area is not only famous in the world for the beauty of its landscape, so picturesque to be in the background of many well-known paintings and literary compositions. The Chianti shire, as someone once called this little region, is the place where many famous products come from, such as the Chianti Classico wine and the extraordinary good olive oil, an essential element of Italian cuisine.

The particular care given to the traditional cultivation has to be considered just like old habit for the people of this area. That's the reason for the high standards the Chianti region has gained, and therefore considered the fruits of hard labour but real masterpieces of oenological and gastronomic “craftsmanship”. Maybe the wines that came from Chianti region and particularly Gallo Nero area are the most famous among Italian red wines and that's probably why when someone thinks about Italian wines immediately recalls the name of Chianti. In fact Chianti wine in particular is the masterpiece of this land.

In general, Chianti wine has to be produced following some particular rules to be called Chianti, for instance, the principal grapes that compose this wine are sangiovese, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, syrah, trebbiano and malvasia. These rules are all written in the Chianti Classico production code ( www.chianticlassico.com ) that decides the quantity (ratio) and the types of grapes that can be used to make a Chianti wine. The most important is Sangiovese grape that can have a percentage from 70% up to 80%, the rest 20% or 25% can be choosen by the winemaker (the producer). Local grapes such as: canaiolo nero or colorino can be used but from the year 2006 the white grapes Trebbiano and Malvasia won't be accepted by the production code anymore. Obviously Chianti can be made also only with Sangiovese grape, with a percentage of 100% that is to say “in purezza” (purity).

Chianti wine has a ruby red colour and a scent of violets. It's not only sufficient to have a sangiovese grape vineyard, but a particular sun exposition and an equally carefulness in winemaking are required. Chianti wine is preserved in cellars or in barrels that make it become a “riserva”, with a minimum maturation of 24 months with a 12,5° of alcohol level and at least three months of bottle aging.

The Bussotti family that owns the Albergo del Chianti hotel, can take care organizing Chianti wine, olive oil and local food tasting in the hotel hall for the guests. They choose the best of their products directly from their farm near Greve in Chianti. In fact they still work their old land ( 8 hectares in collaboration with the farm “Il Viticcio” ). That's to guarantee the genuine taste!

A Chianti holiday allows people to choose their own itinerary be it an archeological one, historical one or just a relaxing holiday with good service and the warm welcome of Albergo del Chianti Staff.