alternative to chianti prices

[stevebody]

Price-conscious Chiantis:

Fatoria di Petroio, about $11
Straccali, about $7
Rocca della Macie, about $12
Badia a Coltibuono Classico, about $16
Badia a Coltibuono "Roberto Stucchi" (!)
about $17
Castellari Classico, about $16

Sangiovese:
Di Majo Norante, about $7
Umberto Cesari Sangiovese di Romagna
about $11
Badia a Coltibuono Cancelli, about $8
Celli "Le Grilliae", about $12
La Carraia, about $9

The Cesari, especially, is absolutely wonderful. The Di Majo is the wine of which Robert Parker said in the Wine Advocate, "It makes a mockery of California Sangioveses costing $30 to $40. This is the World's Greatest Red Wine Bargain."

I've probably left off a dozen Chiantis that would be equally wonderful. Best plan: attend any tastings in your area that feature Italian wines. They'll almost certainly have Sangiovese, in some form. Taste a lot and take very few opinions, including mine.