If you're looking for an affordable, yet delicious wine to enjoy with a meal, Chianti is the way to go. Chianti is a type of red wine that hails from the Tuscany region of Italy. It has been made in the area since the 1300s and is known for its deep ruby color and tart, cherry flavors. With so many varieties of Chianti available, it can be tough to decide which one to buy. But don't worry – we've got you covered! Here are our top picks for the best Chianti wines uner $20.
The Cecchi Chianti DOCG is a delightful example of an affordable Chianti. This bright ruby-colored wine has a medium body and velvety texture with notes of ripe cherries, herbs, and spices on the palate. It pairs well with tomato-based dishes such as pizza or spaghetti bolognese.
Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG is another great option if you're looking for a full-bodied red at an affordable price. This robust wine has aromas of ripe cherries, herbs, and tobacco with hints of spice on the finish. It goes well with roasted meats such as pork chops or chicken breast and pairs perfectly with lasagna or other hearty Italian dishes.
Bolla Chianti DOCG is another great choice for those on a budget. This light-bodied red has aromas of blackberry and raspberry with hints of spice on the finish. Its bright acidity makes it an excellent pairing for mushroom risotto or grilled veggies.
Finally, Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico is an excellent choice if you want a full-bodied red without breaking your budget. This rich ruby-colored wine has intense aromas of dark plum, blackberries, and sweet spices that linger on the palate for a long finish. It pairs perfectly with eggplant parmesan or veal marsala.
So there you have it – our top picks for the best chiantis under $20! Whether you're looking for something light-bodied or full-bodied, there's sure to be something in this list that will please your palate without breaking your wallet. Happy sipping!
Finding an Inexpensive Chianti for a Good Price
If you're looking for an inexpensive yet delicious Chianti, Badia a Coltibuono is a great choice. This Chianti is made from primarily Sangiovese grapes and has bright flavors of cherry and raspberry. It also has hints of tobacco and leather. The wine is aged for six months in Slavonian oak barrels, giving it a nice balance of tannins and acidity. It's great to pair with Italian dishes like lasagna or spaghetti Bolognese and will cost you between $10-$20, making it an excellent bargain for the quality.
The Cost of Chianti Wine
No, Chianti is not necessarily a “cheap” wine. While it can certainly be found at an affordable price point, this doesn't mean the quality is compromised. Chianti is a DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) wine, which means it has to pass numerous stringent tests and inspections in order to maintain its certification and quality. This makes it a reliable source of quality red wine that typically pairs well with Italian food. There are several renowned producers offering excellent Chianti wines that can be found at reasonable prices. For example, Cecchi Chianti DOCG and Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG are both highly rated and relatively affordable options that provide a classic flavor profile for the region. Bolla Chianti DOCG is another great option for those looking for something a bit more full-bodied with intense aromas and flavors. All three of these brands offer exceptional vale for money when compared to other wines of similar caliber from other regions around the world.
Understanding the Levels of Chianti
Chianti is a red wine produced in the Tuscany region of Italy, and it is typically made from a blend of Sangiovese and other grape varieties. The quality of Chianti wines is determined by the level of aging they receive and there are four levels that producer can adhere to:
• Young Chianti – This is the most basic level of Chianti and it must be aged for at least six months in oak barrels. These wines tend to be young and simple with tart flavors.
• Superiore – This level requires that the wine be aged for at least one year in oak barrels, resulting in slightly bolder wines with smoother acidity.
• Riserva – Riserva Chianti must be aged for at least two years in oak barrels which produces some of the top wines from each producer.
• Gran Selezione – This is only used for Chianti Classico wines and requires an aging period of at least two and a half years in oak barrels. These are considered to be the highest quality Chianti wines available.
The Sweetness of Chianti Wine
Chianti is a dry red wine, meaning it contains very little residual sugar. The amount of sweetness will vary depending on the producer, but most Chianti Classico wines contain less than 1% residual sugar. The lack of sweetness makes it a perfect complement to hearty Italian dishes like lasagna and meat-based pasta sauces.
The Popularity of Chianti
Chianti is popular for a number of reasons. One of the main draws is its unique flavor profile. Its aroma and taste are reminiscent of forest fruits like cherries and strawberries, with an underlying smokiness and woodsy notes. Additionally, its high acidity means it pairs well with almost any food. It's also distinguished by its signature flask-shaped bottle, which adds to its charm. Furthermore, Chianti is widely available in many different price points, so it's accessible to a wide range of budgets. Ultimately, Chianti's unique flavor profile and availability make it a popular choice for wine lovers everywhere.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chianti under $20 is a great affordable option for those looking to enjoy a quality Italian wine. The top-rated Chiantis within this price range are Cecchi Chianti DOCG, Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, and Bolla Chianti DOCG. These wines are generally aged for at least 6 months, with Superiore and Riserva versions typically aged for 1 and 2 years respectively. As part of the Chianti appellation, there are several subzones such as Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi which produce high-quality bottlings. So if you're in the market for a budget-friendly Italian wine, be sure to check out these delicious options!
