What's the difference between Chianti and Chianti Classico?
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Dear Dr. Vinny,
What is the difference between Chianti and Chianti Classico?
—Richard W.
Dear Richard,
Chianti is a district in Italy's Tuscany region, and Chianti Classico is one of the seven subregions within Chianti. (It also happens to be the oldest and most respected area of Chianti.) The other regions in Chianti include Colli Aretini, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colline Pisane, Montalbano and Rufina. Chiantis (Classico or otherwise) are made primarily from Sangiovese, and they tend to have a terrific acidity that pairs them well with food.
—Dr. Vinny
