Chianti is one of the world’s oldest and most famous wines. Once upon a time, you needed to travel to the heart of Tuscany’s terraced hills to sip on the best of it, but now it’s possible to buy wines from both the region’s blockbuster and boutique wineries online.
The Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico (Photo: Wine.com)
Most people have heard of Chianti wine, Italy’s signature tipple, but they might not know exactly what it is. At its heart is Chianti Classico – a specific zone within the wider Chianti denominazione. The Medici dukes mapped the region out in 1716, making it one of the first wine regions in the world. Three centuries later, it’s still one of the world’s most established wines. The main grape here is Sangiovese but it can be blended with up to 20% of other grapes, so the taste differs dramatically from bottle to bottle. We’ve selected seven of the best Chianti wines you can buy online for a range of budgets and tastes.
Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico 2017
This textbook chianti wine pairs perfectly with barbecued meats, steaks, game and strong cheeses – it’s gruff and smoky enough to handle the strongest flavours. The wine is a vibrant and deep ruby red colour, made from a blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo grapes. There are notes of black cherry, forest fruits and oak, with a firm acidity too, so most suggest leaving it to soften. The organic winery was founded shortly after World War II, high in the hills of the Greve municipality. From $22.99.
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Poggiotondo Chianti Superiore 2017
Italy’s winemaking darling Alberto Antonini has created a vibrant, fresh and fruity Chianti (Photo: Wine.com)
This deep garnet red wine is vibrant, fresh and fruity, made from a blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo and 5% Colorino grapes. Owned by Alberto Antonini, one of Italy’s brightest winemakers, the estate is renowned for creating exciting – and highly drinkable – wines. This vintage, while not as revered as its 2016 offering, offers a very fine taste of the estate at an accessible price point. Save this wine for a night next to a roaring fireplace. From $24.99.
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Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2017
This medium-bodied chianti wine is more delicate than most. Ruby red in colour, it’s made from a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, making it the perfect partner for grilled meats and breaded veals. There’s a spice to the flavour too, complemented by a bouquet of aromatic herbs and dried flowers. The Antinori family is one of the world’s oldest and most distinguished wine producers; the estate recently celebrated its 635th anniversary, so they really do know what they’re talking about. Like all of the estate’s wines, this vintage combines traditional techniques with an innovative spirit. From $28.99.
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Monte Bernardi Sa’etta Chianti Classico Riserva 2016
Monte Bernardi’s 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva is a winner (Photo: Wine.com)
2016 was a blockbuster year for Chianti wine, hailed for producing consistently excellent blends that balanced aromas, power and richness to perfection. Monte Bernardi’s Chianti Classico Riserva is no exception. Well balanced with fine-grained tannins, the wine combines mature notes of cranberry and star anise with a touch of tobacco and oak spice. The Monte Bernardi estate has been certified organic and biodynamic since 2004, harvested by hand between late September and mid-October. From $43.99.
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Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico Riserva 2015
A jewel of Greve, there’s been a castle here for over 1,000 years and a history of winemaking dating back as far as 1150. This flashy wine is so deep in colour, it’s almost purple. Made with Sangiovese and Canaiolo grapes, this Classico Riserva is richly perfumed and aromatic, with a smooth and elegant finish. It’s perfect for red meat dishes, aged cheeses and hearty roast dinners. These darker notes come from two years ageing in new French oak barrels, which deepen its cherry flavours and dark spice notes. Buy from $48.00
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Felisina Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia 2017
Now is the best time to pick up a few bottles of this Chianti Classico Riserva (Photo: Wine.com)
This wine has been on the market for a few years, but according to the experts the best time to enjoy this vintage is in 2022 and beyond – so now is the perfect time to pick up a few bottles. Rich, intense and ruby red in appearance, there are hints of wild berry, florals and lightly toasted notes. This is robust, full-bodied red with chewy tannins and a strong Sangiovese grape vibrancy. Fattoria di Felsina is a highly acclaimed winery and winner of the coveted Tre Bicchieri (Three Glasses) award 17 times. From $54.99.
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Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2013
This impressive ruby red wine boasts the region’s trademark intensity and complexity, with blackberries and blackcurrant notes and a touch of balsamic. It’s a well-balanced vintage too, with elegant tannins and a velvety touch on the palette. Perfect with a bolognese or pork chops on a chilly evening, it has plenty of easy-drinking appeal too. The wine comes from the highly-esteemed Castello di Brolio in the medieval village of Castello di Albola, high in the magnificent Chianti hills. The Zonin family took charge of the winery over 45 years ago and extended the winery to cover over 900 hectares. From $79.99.
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