Winery: Grati
Region: Toscana
Appellation: Chianti 
Designation: DOCG

In a few words: Wonderfully aromatic, fine-structured, with delicious fruit, the base Chianti outperforms its price-point considerably. Although it would be delicious with pizza or pasta, it stands up beautifully with beef-steak on the grill. 

Site: From vineyards within the Rufina zone, it is de-classified because it is important to have a wine that will generate ready-cash that can be invested in the elevage of the wines from the more “important” designation of Rufina. Clay and galestro (calcareous marl) soils, western hillside, quite high altitudes of around 400 meters. From younger vineyards that have been allowed to produce higher yields than for those of Rufina.

Grapes: 90% Sangiovese,  7% Canaiolo, 3% Colorino

Fermentation and Aging: Maximum of 14-15 days maceration. Pump-overs during maceration, every two hours for 8 minutes. Fermented with natural yeast.

Notes: Glorious Chianti - don’t let the price fool you! This is the real Chianti of yore. Relish it with burgers or steak or pasta or on the patio.