How to Choose a Good Chianti

Chianti is a great wine to enjoy with an Italian meal. Whether it is spaghetti and meatballs, sausages or pizza, a Chianti is a great pairing. And it's not hard to find a good one for a very reasonable price.

Chianti is a region within Tuscany in central Italy, between Florence and Siena. And it produces the best known of the Italian wines. While the wines have been around since the Middle Ages, the Chianti region was officially established in the 18th century (1716 to be exact). But it wasn't until 1967 that the Chianti Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) was created. Then, in 1984, the region reached Italy's highest level of wines, the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG). This is important because DOC wines are the most commonly found wines in Italy, while DOCG wines only cover a handful of Italian wines with the highest of quality.

So, again, Chianti is a region, not a grape.  The wines of Chianti are made from the Sangiovese grape. Local laws require Chianti to have at least 70% Sangiovese with the more prestigious Chianti Classico having at least 80% Sangiovese.

When shopping for Chianti, look for the black rooster (gallo nero in Italian) on the neck of the bottle.  The black rooster indicates it is authentic Chianti Classico, making it easy to distinguish from the more common Chianti.

Some may also know of Chianti as the wine bottle in the straw basket.  While this was a distinguishing trait of Chianti in the past, most producers are now using the traditional styled wine bottle. But, if you're trying to create an Italian look for your meal, a bottle of Chianti with a straw basket base will certainly do. But if you're looking for a nicer bottle of Chianti, go with the rooster and one with DOCG on the bottle. Cheers!

Ever Wonder? What is Blanc de Noirs?

Have you ever seen a bottle of sparkling wine that has “Blanc de Noirs” on the label and wondered what it is?

Here are a few facts about Blanc de Noirs:

  • Blanc de Noirs is a term from the Champagne region in France. It is used to refer to champagne produced entirely from black (noir) grapes Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier.

  • Blanc de Noirs means literally 'white of blacks' since the resulting color of this type of Champagne is white.

  • The reason that Blanc de Noirs is white is because the clear juice of the Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier grapes is immediately separated from the black skins of the grapes. If the juice had been left in contact with the skins during fermentation, you’d get a typical red wine color.

  • Blanc de Noirs is different from the majority of champagnes that are made with a traditional blend of white and red grapes, usually Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

  • It is also different from Blanc de Blancs champagne, which is produced from Chardonnay. Other grapes such as Pinot Blanc and Arbane are also permitted to be used, as well as a number of other varieties, but they are less common.

  • Blanc de Noirs champagnes are typically richer, fruiter and more full-bodied than regular Champagne and Blanc de Blancs.

  • Blanc de Noirs sparkling wines are produced in the Champagne region's more southerly vineyards.

  • Blanc de Noir sparkling wines are made in the Champagne region of France using the traditional ‘Methode Champenoise’ where the secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle.

  • There is no legal requirement to identify a Champagne made from red grapes as being a Blanc de Noirs - it’s up to the maker to decide if they want to call it Blanc de Noirs or simply Champagne.

So, next time you see Blanc de Noirs you’ll know it’s made entirely from black grapes! Cheers!

Ever Wonder? What is Blanc de Blancs?

Have you ever seen a bottle of sparkling wine that has “Blanc de Blancs” on the label and wondered what it is?

Well, Blanc de Blancs is a term from the Champagne region in France. It is used to refer to champagne produced entirely from white grapes, most commonly Chardonnay. Other grapes such as Pinot Blanc and Arbane are also permitted to be used, as well as a number of other varieties, but they are less common.

Blanc de Blancs is different from the majority of champagnes that are made with a traditional blend of white and red grapes, usually Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier.

It is also different from Blanc de Noirs champagne, which is produced exclusively from black (noir) grapes such as Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Blanc de Blancs champagnes are typically lighter, drier, and fruitier than Blanc de Noirs while Blanc de Noir wines can be richer with a fuller body.

Blanc de Blancs sparkling wines are produced in two sub-regions of Champagne France - Cote des Blanc and Cote de Sezanne.

Blanc de Blancs sparkling wines are made in the Champagne region of France using the traditional ‘Methode Champenoise’ where the secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle.

So, next time you see Blancs de Blancs you’ll know it’s made entirely from white grapes! Cheers!

Ever Wonder? Is Non-Alcoholic Wine Any Good?

Photo by Steven Weeks on Unsplash

As mentioned last time, non-alcoholic wine is actually is ‘real’ wine that’s been made from fermented grapes. It then undergoes processes to remove all or part of the alcohol. But, the lingering question remains - Is non-alcoholic wine any good?

Non-alcoholic, or Alcohol-free, wines can taste like regular wine in many ways. They go through the same fermentation process as regular wine, so they can have flavors, aromas, tannin, tastes and mouthfeel just like regular wine.

But, to be called a non-alcoholic or alcohol-free wine, it must contain less than 0.5 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). So, whereas a 5-ounce glass of red wine is typically 12 percent to 15 percent alcohol by volume and about 125 calories, a 5-ounce glass of non-alcoholic red wine is 0.5 percent alcohol by volume and about 30 to 35 calories.

This is great if you are watching your calories or simply trying to avoid alcohol. But, there are some drawbacks. By removing the alcohol from wine, there are a few key traits that are also removed.

First, most of the aromas in wine come from the surface of the wine to your nose by evaporating alcohol. That’s why you’ll often see someone swirl their wine glass - it yields more aromas. But, when the alcohol is removed from wine, the aromas no longer have their primary delivery method. And, remember, while your tongue can only perceive sweet, salty and sour, your nose is how you distinguish all the thousands of various flavors. So, no alcohol means it's harder for the aromas to reach your nose.

Secondly, a quality wine is considered to be “balanced” when its elements are harmonious and no single element dominates. These elements include acidity and tannins as well as sweetness (residual sugar), fruit and alcohol. Without alcohol, wines can become too sweet, too acidic or too fruity. And, the lack of alcohol can change the ‘mouthfeel’ such that it will be different than a wine that contains alcohol.

So, non-alcoholic wine can taste like wine in a lot of ways. Some have a good balance of acidity, while others are fruit-forward. Non-alcoholic sparkling wines and white wines often get the closest to tasting and feeling like drinking wines that contain alcohol.

Finally, don’t forget the category of low-calorie or reduced alcohol wines. These wines still have alcohol, just in lower proportions. And they’ll have the best chance of tasting like a regular glass of wine. Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Organic Wines of Veramonte

In anticipation of Earth Day 2023 on April 22nd, here’s a great trio of organic, vegan wines to celebrate with!

The wines from Veramonte are from the Casablanca Valley in Chile. Veramonte follows organic practices in all their vineyards to ensure the best conditions for the development of the vine thus achieving vineyards that are sustainable. Through cultivating healthy, living soils and maintaining a natural balance in their vineyards and winemaking process, Veramonte obtains quality grapes that express the full potential of the terroir, leading to wines with character and authenticity.

2020 Veramonte Pinot Noir ($13.99)

Produced from 100% Organic Pinot Noir, 15% of the grapes underwent whole cluster maceration and fermentation with natural yeasts. It then spent 8 months aging in oak. It is pale ruby in color with red fruit aromas of raspberry and cherry. One the palate it has juicy fruit flavors of cherry and cranberry and finishes light. (13.5% ABV, 1.3 g/L RS, 5.8 g/L acidity)

2022 Veramonte Chardonnay ($13.99)

Produced from 100% Organic Chardonnay, the grapes are whole cluster pressed and sit for 24 hours before being racked off. Part of the wine is barrel fermented in neutral oak with wild yeasts while the rest is fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain its bright flavors. Then, 30% of the wine undergoes malolactic conversion. Finally, 15% of the wine is aged in neutral oak for 8 months. It is medium gold in color with citrus and apple aromas. On the palate it is bright and refreshing. (14% ABV, 3.33 g/L RS, 7.35 g/L acidity)

2022 Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc ($13.99)

This wine is composed of 100% Organic Sauvignon Blanc grapes that are fermented in stainless steel tanks. It is medium gold in color with subtle citrus aromas. On the palate it has bright citrus flavors of grapefruit and lime with a refreshing finish. (13.5% ABV, 0.78 g/L RS, 7.73 g/L acidity)

Each of these sustainably-made wines is organic and vegan which make them not only a perfect fit for Earth Day 2023 but also most any day that you’re looking for an affordable wine that pairs well with a variety of foods. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Veramonte Wines, González Byass (via Donna White Communications)