How to become a Chianti tasting expert

The key to becoming an expert on Chianti wines? Tasting a lot of it. Where is the best place to taste a lot of Chianti? At its source: in the Chianti region of Tuscany. And who wouldn’t want to spend days traipsing through hamlets to find stone castles, hilltop villas, age-old cellars and sure romance in Italy’s famous wine region?

You will know Chianti wines intimately - because you shook hands with the vines. You will see the rolling hills and glistening sun, taste Chianti while peering at its vines, and love the family whose lives are entwined with their vineyards. After sipping from these tender grapes, you will be able to taste and compare terroir in each glass - because you toured across the hills and plains, and witnessed the lush ground that imparts its flavors to these famous vines.

The Chianti region stretches from Florence, south to Siena. It stretches toward Pisa in the west and Arezzo to the east. It is in the heart of Tuscany… and ultimately the heart of Italy. Chianti wines are famous all over the world, and for good reason. Wine doesn’t inherit a famous name, unless it has cause for fame. Chianti vines have earned their recognition, through careful tending to the vineyards and strict quality controls.

Here is a quick starter lesson for your Chianti tasting expertise:

IGT means "Indicazione Geografica Tipica" which gives plain information on geography, varietal(s) and year. It only needs to meet minimal requirements, and is the standard stamp on Vino di Tavola and more expensive Super Tuscans (IGT applies to inexpensive wines, as well as more expensive wines that don’t adhere to the regulations of DOC or DOCG).

DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which simply means the vines came from a specific (controlled) region. Actually, it means the quality is confirmed not only by grape region but storing, processing and bottling.

DOCG is a step above DOC, and includes wines and vines that have proven their consistency and commitment to quality for years. Instead of being just controlled, they are guaranteed: only 14 such wines exist at the top of this wine pyramid. For example, DOCG wines include Chianti, Barola, Barbaresco, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

The entire Chianti region enjoys DOCG status, and is separated into seven districts. Two of the seven districts are readily available on the world market: Chianti Classico and Chianti Rufina. Chianti is considered a dry red wine, is noted for its concentrated fruit, and is made from 80% - 100% sangiovese. Besides the sangiovese grape, tradition also puts the black Canaiolo grape and the white Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes into the Chianti blend; they give Chianti wines their familiar dry, full-bodied character, with notes of cherries and violets. Chianti can age ten or more years in a good vintage.

Now you are well on your way to your first Chianti tasting, armed with a few basics. The beauty of wine-tasting vacations is that you can enjoy it any time of year - grab some friends or family and rent out this small villa in the middle of Tuscany. Or plan an intimate wine-tasting trip with your significant other - this apartment is nestled right in the Chianti Classico region. (For more great ideas of where to rent, visit TUSCANY RENT DIRECT where you'll find a substantial list of country homes, well-appointed apartments and perfectly situated Bed & Breakfasts for your trip to Chianti).

And to think, after your amazing holiday in the Chianti region - with all your memories tucked away in your mind and on your palate - you will forever have nostalgia and recognition for Chianti wines. How warming will it be, to later stand in a grocer or wine shop, eyeballing the selection of Chiantis, and smile broadly because you have been there. You recognize the names and the places, you remember the wines and the food pairings. You can picture the cellar's you visited and let a smile escape - maybe it was something the owner said, or the remembrance of the nose of a particular wine, bringing you back again to the cellars of Chianti.