Italian wine = Chianti?

When speaking of Tuscan wines, Chianti is indeed the first name that comes to mind. This area between Siena and Florence carries centuries of winemaking tradition, an artistic landscape, and a terroir that gives the flourishing Sangiovese a distinctly expressive character. The acidity, fruity intensity, and tannic structure of Chianti red wines make them a universal and timeless companion to winter (Italian) cuisine.

Chianti Classico region

Chianti Classico is known as the heart of Tuscany: it is the smaller and more historic inner growing zone of Chianti, symbolised by the iconic black rooster (Gallo Nero) on the bottle neck. Chianti Classico is further divided into 11 geographical sub-regions to highlight local distinctiveness — Radda in Chianti is one of them, and it is home to one of the most esteemed local estates: Castello di Albola.

Castello di Albola winery

Castello di Albola is not merely a winery — it is a landscape where every plot of land has its own story. The estate covers roughly 900 hectares, of which 110 are planted with vines. The vineyards lie between 400 and 680 metres above sea level. This elevation is important for Sangiovese: larger day-night temperature swings help preserve fresh acidity and develop complex aromatic flavours, while the daytime sun ensures ripe fruity notes and fullness. The best wines from this area are world-class, elegant, and with long ageing potential — and they should not be confused with the similarly named Chianti reds sold in supermarkets for under €10.

Wine expert Sander