Chianti

[plonk]

Hello everybody,

I discovered this site yesterday and will probably ask a lot of questions because I know that I really love wine but until recently I was never aware of what I was drinking. This should change.

My first question: someone told me that Chianti is often of minor quality but online I read that this isn't so. How can I decide which one is worth buying (just look at the price?)?

[hotwine]

Welcome to the board, Plonk. Try focusing your Chianti purchases on Chianti Classico. It's a better grade of juice in general, and you're less likely to waste your money. For other Italian gems and specific bottling recommendations, see the Italian section below.

[Innkeeper]

Do stay away from those bottles with the grass skirts. Those bottles cost more than what goes in them. For about the same price, in a regular wine bottle, you can get Cecchi Chianti Classico and it is wonderful. Usually costing less than $10.

[PinotEnvy]

Another reccomendation is to not assume because a wine is more expensive that it is better. I have herd many people say that what makes a wine good is that you like it... And I agree.

If you know a shop that puts wines out to taste, go there and try it and buy what tastes good. In my short experience with wine, I have noticed shops that promote themselves as wine specialists frequently will put a couple wines out for sample on Saturdays to entice people to buy them.

[plonk]

Thank (all of) you for your advice. It's good to know that good wine can be affordable!! So, I'll look for the word "classico" on the label.

Right now I want to try all kinds of wine and I'm keeping notes (kind of ranking) for myself. Last week I opened a bottle of Pinotage from South Africa (not bad) - and now I'm looking for Chianti. With your help I won't feel so helpless in front of all these bottles [img]http://wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]

[This message has been edited by plonk (edited 03-11-2004).]

[Thomas]

Don't know where you are, but if you can find Morellino di Scansano wine try it as a comparison with Chianti Classico.

[wineguruchgo]

If you are going to become a "student" I would try the wine when you open it, then take notes 1/2 hour later then take notes an hour later.

Also, wines will taste different when paired with food. What does it taste like on it's own? What does it taste like with dinner?

That's where the fun begins!

[Kcwhippet]

A bottle of wine lasts an hour? Not in my house. I guess we'll have to open two bottles.

[winoweenie]

A man after my own drinking habits!!!!ww

[Kcwhippet]

Glenora's going to be a fun time.