Basic Chianti seldom merits a strong "buy" recommendation. More specific appellation wines from within the Chianti zone — such as Chianti Classico or Chianti Rufina — tend to be more refined, and thus garner most of the critical acclaim, and deservedly so. But occasionally comes along a more generic Chianti that isn’t thin and light; that could actually be compared favorably to its more expensive cousins. Melini’s Borghi d’Elsa Chianti delivers simple but pure ripe red fruit, with good balance and palate weight, and notes of spice and earth on the back end. It’s perfectly sensational with pasta dishes and antipasti. And it’s really, really cheap!
