National Chianti Lovers Tour Full of Surprises

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Italy’s oldest and most cherished wine associations. Consorzio Vino Chianti was thrilled to return to sunny Los Angeles as the last stop on a whirlwind three-day tour. We were thrilled to be treated to a horizontal tasting of 2017 Riserva Chianti from each of the seven subdistricts. Added to that, a mouth-watering food pairing plus a film scene series featuring the classic Chianti as it was depicted in the red-checkered tablecloth cafe days. It brought back memories of our time in the area.

To many people’s surprise,Consorzio Vino Chianti, since it was established in 1927, has regulated, provided and promoted the highest quality Chianti by overseeing the regulations for the seven subdistricts of the Chianti region since 1927.

It reminded us that Chianti wine is made primarily from the King of Italian grapes, Sangiovese. And the roots of Chianti wine go back before the time of the Romans to the Etruscans.

Chianti Classico Riserva, a low tannin style varietal, is perfect for a summer sip.  This  intense ruby-colored wine, not only characterized by vigorous low tannins but fresh acidity, is followed by an aroma of forest fruits and sweet spice against a backdrop of herbs and autumn leaves.

Grown in the Chianti region this wine dates back to the 13th Century when it was first made in the hills surrounding the city of Florence. While originally a white wine, a preference for darker, Sangiovese grapes developed over the centuries, bringing the modern Chianti its striking red color.  Dedicated winemakers find ways of invigorating chianti with native grape varieties in a combination of ancient techniques and modern technology.

One of the great Italian wines, Chianti is an export of Tuscany that is popular with wine lovers the world over for its diverse flavor and excellent pairing ability. Luca Alves, Chianti Wine Ambassador, made it clear that this wine is at its best when paired with food. We were given the opportunity to do this at lunch.

The Sangiovese grape has bright cherry notes with touches of Tuscan herbs (Oregano, Rosemary) that are excellent with anything tomato-based. The deep fruit notes of the wine compliment the gamey, earthy notes of meats that are perfect for a summer cookout.   These practically priced wine also invites regular pairing with meals and afternoon or late evening table spread of interesting charcuterie,  cheese and fruit.

Riserva 2017 vintage”Presented by Luca Alves, Chianti Wine Ambassador with film clips by Barbara Barrielle.

Although it has been produced in its current style since the 18th century, Chianti’s popularity skyrocketed in the 20th century when it became a staple of Italian restaurants in the United States. Despite its reputation as a table wine served in a woven straw holder, the wine has gained a reputation for excellent taste, versatility and affordability.

The event consisted of a Standing-room-only seminar with a horizontal tasting of 2017 Riserva Chianti from each of the seven subdistricts. It was followed by a generous, Italian lunches with pork belly and pasta, and a walk-around tasting with wines from the various sub districts of the Chianti D.O.C.G.

E.E.M. (International Event & Exhibition Management) also showcased member wineries of the Consorzio Vino Chianti in a walk-around tasting.

“Say Chianti and Tuscany comes to mind, with its enchanted hills, its vineyards, and its luscious cypresses. Say Chianti and history and culture are evoked: the Italian Dolce Vita. Say Chianti and you inevitably think of the wine. Red, intense.”

The sophisticated Chianti  is best paired with beef tartare or carpaccio, barbecued meat or with game, such as pheasant stuffed with truffles. Chianti can also be a great addition to richer dishes such as meat stews, braised short ribs, slow-cooked chicken stew, or even vegetarian dishes such as a summer vegetable minestrone or braised mushrooms served over polenta.

A premier full-day wine tasting program commencing in the morning with an educational, fascinating Master Class/Guided Tasting followed by the trade Walk Around Tasting where charming Tuscan producers proudly present the varieties and styles of their D.O.C.G. products, through a remarkable kaleidoscope of wines to taste. 

11:30am – 1:00pm 

Master Class & Guided Tasting

The Chianti Lovers ‘Wine & Cinema’ Experience

“A special, immersive, horizontal tasting of the Chianti D.O.C.G. Riserva 2017 vintage”

Presented by Luca Alves, Chianti Wine Ambassador

Followed by Lunch with Italian Specialties

1:00pm – 4:00pm 

Trade Walk Around Tasting

The Chianti bottle in its woven straw basket here in a film from a collection curated by Barbara Barrielle for the The Chianti Lovers ‘Wine & Cinema’ Experience program

Unmistakable Italian style at the “special, immersive, horizontal tasting of the Chianti D.O.C.G. Riserva 2017 vintage”Presented by Luca Alves, Chianti Wine Ambassador with film clips by Barbara Barrielle