In many ways, I put the affordable reds of Chianti Classico, Rioja and Bordeaux in the same category – all large regions that produce a huge number of modestly classified wines that are of good quality and attractively priced. This is the kind of wine you take to a weekday dinner at a friend’s place who is preparing pasta or a light beef main course – enjoyable, straightforward with full cherry fruitiness and the raspy finish that says “Chianti.”
Castellare di Castellina, Chianti Classico DOCG (Tuscany, Italy) 2021
By Roger Morris