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Chianti Classico
Tuscany · between Florence and Siena, Italy
redMedium ruby, garnet rim
Savoury and food-friendly: tart cherry, herbs and grippy tannin.
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Line up two to four wines the way you'd say them. The guide covers 127 appellations and styles, and spelling doesn't need to be perfect.
Chianti Classico and Rioja side by side: structure on the WSET scale, grapes, aromas, drinking window, typical UK price and what to eat with each.
Savoury and food-friendly: tart cherry, herbs and grippy tannin.
Red fruit wrapped in long oak ageing, traditionally American oak with vanilla and dill.
The shape of each wine, then each measure on the WSET scale.
Chianti Classico has noticeably fresher acidity than Rioja.
Rioja has noticeably more oak influence than Chianti Classico.
Chianti Classico: Sangiovese (at least 80%), with Canaiolo, Colorino or Merlot
Rioja: Tempranillo-led with Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo
| Chianti Classico | Rioja | |
|---|---|---|
| Grapes | Sangiovese (at least 80%), with Canaiolo, Colorino or Merlot | Tempranillo-led with Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo |
| Climate | Warm Mediterranean with cool hill sites | Continental with Atlantic and Mediterranean influences |
| Soil | Galestro (flaky schist) and alberese (limestone) | Clay-limestone, ferrous clay and alluvium |
| Classification | DOCG: Annata, Riserva, Gran Selezione | DOCa; ageing tiers Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva |
| Drinking window | 3–15 years | 5–25 years (Gran Reserva longer) |
| Typical price | £12–£45 | £10–£50 |
| Food | Tomato-based pasta, bistecca alla fiorentina, pecorino | Roast lamb, chorizo, Manchego |
| Producers to know | Fontodi, Castello di Ama, Fèlsina | La Rioja Alta, R. López de Heredia, CVNE |