Chianti

Guide Note

Chianti is a wine traditionally made in the Chianti region of Tuscany. It is one of Italy's most famous red wines. Traditionally viewed as an affordable wine, more high-quality and high-priced variants have been brought to market in the early 21st century.

Fast Facts

1. The term Chianti was first used in 1716 to describe the region from which it derives
2. Until the mid 19th century, Chianti was made entirely of Sangiovese grapes
3. Was mentioned by Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs
4. Stringent laws in Italy dictate the production and composition of Chianti wines

Chianti is a region in Tuscany. The area is divided into seven sub-sections to take advantage of the name recognition created by the popularity of the wine. The versatility of the wine and its exportability have made it very popular and as a result, generally less expensive. To differentiate itself from other wines, it was packaged in a straw basket, called a fiasco. The empty basket was then used as a candle holder in Italian restaurants. Today the wine is associated with the novelty of the basket, and Italian cuisine. It has begun, however, to break through that stereotype, with some high quality variants.