Best New Chiantis

The Chianti of our collective memory—a harsh red wine in a rustic wicker basket—belongs in the ’70s. Today’s best Chiantis, which derive their character from the Sangiovese grape, are crisp, herb-inflected and fabulous with hearty winter dishes. F&W’s Ray Isle picks his favorite bottles.

A great basic Chianti, with an abundance of crisp red fruit.

Angelini is known for its Brunellos, but its fragrant, medium-bodied Chianti is impressive, too.

Selvapiana is one of the Chianti Rufina region’s best producers, as this bold wine shows.

A spot-on Chianti Classico from a historic property, full of wild berry flavor.

The 2007 vintage produced ripe, powerful Chiantis full of juicy black-cherry fruit.

Pretty floral violet notes are the hallmark of this streamlined, luscious red.

Elegant and classically styled— an iconic Chianti bottling.

Crisp raspberry notes characterize this easy-to-find bottling from Ruffino.

Vineyards at 1,200 feet and very low yields help explain Castellare’s dark intensity.

A vibrant single-vineyard red from a great estate, its herb-edged, wild cherry flavor is remarkably complex.

What do you call a straw-covered Chianti bottle turned into a candleholder? Boring. Illustrator Peter Arkle has more creative ideas for reusing the baskets.

Illustration © Peter Arkle

Illustration © Peter Arkle

Illustration © Peter Arkle

Ricasoli, Castellare and Selvapiana have long been three of Chianti’s most reliable producers. Photo

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