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The perfect pairing for pizza night:
Margherita Pizza with Chianti Classico
Chianti is the ultimate pizza wine for red wine lovers. Made from the Sangiovese grape in Tuscany, the pairing's success is attributed to the acidity of the tomatoes complementing this varietal's naturally high acidity.
Make your own easy pizzeria-style Margherita Pizza at home with this recipe, and pair with these Chianti Classico wines.
Available at the LCBO:
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Barone Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Riserva Chianti Classico 2019
Tuscany, Italy
VINTAGES#: 943613, $24.95 SHOP »»
The history of Italy cannot be told without including the prominent contributions of the Ricasoli family, who have produced wine since 1141. Ricasoli is documented as the oldest winery in Italy and the fourth oldest family business in the world. The most famous historical contribution came from Baron Bettino Ricasoli, who was not only twice the prime minister of Italy, but after 30 years of experimentation and documentation, developed the original formula for the Chianti wine that became the standard for the region.
"Plenty of sweet plums on the nose with orange peel. It’s full-bodied with juicy ripe fruit and creamy tannins. Some savory, earth and meaty character in the aftertaste." Score: 92 Pts. - James Suckling, July 4, 2022.
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Borgo Scopeto Chianti Classico 2019
Tuscany, Italy
VINTAGES#: 23325, $19.95 SHOP »»
"This is a lovely, juicy, firm and authentic, but also infinitely drinkable Chianti Classico at an attractive price, from a vintage that favoured lots of ripeness and forward drinkability. I like the savoury Sangiovese character, the wild resinous herbs, the unrelenting acids and gritty tannins, all in the expected (hoped for) spectrum. Don't expect plump, easy fruit, this is all old school savoury in style. Bring out the equally savoury tomato sauces or grilled sausages or wild mushrooms." Score: 90 Pts. - John Szabo, MS, Wine Align. Tasted January 2023.
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A renowned red made from at least 80% Sangiovese grapes, Chianti Classico has been produced in the heart of Toscana since the 13th century. Sangiovese has always been the primary grape for this full-bodied red wine, harvested in mid-September to mid-October from vines that grow in limestone, clay, and sandstone-rich soils. This grape variety perfectly captures the terroir of Toscana.
Produced in the heart of Toscana, Chianti Classico can only be made in the following zones: Castellina in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, Barberino Tavarnelle, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Poggibonsi e San Casciano in Val di Pesa. That is to say, you can find other Chianti wines outside of these areas, but only those produced within the designated appellation zone can bear the name “Chianti Classico” on the bottle.
The Chianti Classico Consortium was founded in 1924, to safeguard its trademark and the bond between the Black Rooster wine and its production zone. By 1984, Chianti Classico earned DOCG (denominazione d’origine controllata e garantita) status, ensuring that all Chianti Classico wines are made in this designated region and according to very specific production requirements.
The telltale sign of a designated bottle of Chianti Classico is the black rooster (you’ll find this symbol on the back or neck of the bottle). Why a rooster, you may ask?
Legend has it that in medieval times, the Republics of Firenze and Siena were bitter enemies, and the Chianti territory was constantly fought over in the city-states’ quest for dominance. To end the dispute, it was agreed that two knights would arise at dawn, signaled by rooster crow, to depart from their respective cities and decide the boundary based on where they met. The Florentines chose a black rooster, and the Sienese chose a white one.
On the fated day, the black rooster began to crow before dawn, and the Florentine knight set off long before the Sienese knight had awoken. With such a big head start, the knights met at Fonterutoli — just 12 kilometers from the Sienese’s starting point. And so, nearly all of Chianti was brought into the Republic of Firenze, and the black rooster became a lasting symbol of the territory.
Learn more at eataly.ca
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