Chianti Wine – Episode #179

February 8, 2007

Wines tasted in this episode:

Today Gary Vaynerchuk tackles four chainti’s and gives his thoughts on these wines from Tuscany. Sit back and enjoy and Lurkers please come out!

120 Responses

February 8, 2007

Brandon M
#1 is so lame
February 8, 2007

Hinrgman
I love Italian wine
February 8, 2007

Eric
2?
February 8, 2007

E-Rock
2???
February 8, 2007

FTBoomer
Can wait to hear what he has to say. Love ya Gary!
February 8, 2007

grape_ape
in! looking forward to a Chianti ep!
February 8, 2007

Mike
Call me lame, Brandon…# Lucky 7!
February 8, 2007

Kent I
Ooh, I’ve been looking for a chianti I like.
February 8, 2007

BotaBag
Top Tizzle!!!
February 8, 2007

Large Format Fever
Woo Hoo…… I married an Italian woman. GO ITALY!
February 8, 2007

dc13
Gary: I didn’t post on any of the threads last night in the forum, but let me say right now “Thank you” for doing this blog. It is a highlight in my day and you have taught me an incredible amount about wine. Keep being yourself.
I love chianti so I am very excited for this episode.
February 8, 2007

Mike
Gary…Ditto what dc13 says above.
February 8, 2007

CHEF
Gary…Ditto, Ditto…Same as Mike and dc13…

+CHEF
-Whenever someone asks what your making for dinner, tell them â€œReservationsâ€â€¦
February 8, 2007

dealbhadair
Ditto, Ditto, Ditto!
February 8, 2007

Justin
Another nice episode GV. Keep up the good work. I certainly appreciate all you do for us. Thanks
And dont stop rockin.
February 8, 2007

Wino
Is it my imagination, I can swear Im hearing birds in the background of this video.
February 8, 2007

WineGodofOregon
Glad to see you back and keeping us educated on wine.
February 8, 2007

Snarf
Very nice episode GV. This is why we come to watch. “Build it and they will come”
February 8, 2007

CHEF
Gary…When are you going to have a “Live” show? And by “Live” I mean with a live “Audience”…Set-up some bleachers and do your thing in front of a live audience…Even if you “Tape” the show in front of a live audience…It would give me a reason to fly up to NJ…(God knows there’s no other reason to visit NJ) Sorry…but it’s true…

Just something to think about…

+CHEF
-Whenever someone asks what your making for dinner, tell them â€œReservationsâ€â€¦
February 8, 2007

Dave-from-Katonah
Top 20 is so lame.

Gary – Great episode. Chianti needed a do-over. Thanks for doing this and sharing the wealth. The wine world is changing.
February 8, 2007

Jahlove
Gary,

The link from Wine Library TV to the product page for the 2003 Casa Emma Chianti Classico Riserva that you so raved about is wrong. On the product page, you are advertising the 2003 Classico not the Classico Reserva in your tasting.

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=9149
February 8, 2007

Jahlove
Never mind. It was the hyperlink that has the Reserva in it. In the tasting you correctly identified it as just Classico. Sorry bout that.
February 8, 2007

Salvatore
Gary… you know the Chianti in the basket was the only wine my father ever bought. Naturally he was born in Italy! Oh ya.. minor adjustment in the NE cranberry country, just a little further North, in and around Carver,Ma., near Cape Cod. Great show!! You gave me something to do this week; find Casa Emma Chiati Classico.
February 8, 2007

Jim Kay
Mid-20s rock!
Great episode

I picked up some of the Villa Cafaggio from you last year based on a review in Decanter – 5/5 stars:

Rich, exotic fruit and ripe berry fruit aromas. Classy, fine textured with elegant French oak and austere tannins. Drink 2008-12.

Thanks for the pointer on Casa Emma
February 8, 2007

dealbhadair
Wow, Gary! Did you really tape this show today??? After last night on the forums???

Talk about “bringing the thunder”!!! Bravo, Big Guy!

And, thanks for giving me some Chianti’s to go after! I’ve been sorely disappointed by all of the low-end, mass-produced ones I’ve tried so far.
February 8, 2007

aktormedic
nice episode gary…dont drink much Chanti anymore, I’ll have to give it a try again. It was a college STAPLE for me…along with the pasta/pizza.
February 8, 2007

Dmjperc
QOTD: I am mad at myself for not taking opportunities when they came around the first time.
Great episode.. It’s been forever since I’ve even thought about Chianti.
February 8, 2007

Dominus
Great episode. I hope to get at least 6 of the Emma!

I remember just a few years ago staying at the villa of Rossi of Martini & Rossi fame and tasting their olive oil and chianti made there on the premises. Plus we cooked a wonderful meal on the premises which I can remember to this day. They know how to enjoy life.

QOTD: What am I mad at this moment? No football next weekend? Ummm, since we are on the subject of Tuscany/Chianti, I’m mad at our more than hectic lifestyles where we never sit down with our families and friends and enjoy some great food and wine and talk about the events of the world, philosophy, anything, anything, other than how great the kids are doing in soccer or school.

Sante!
February 8, 2007

JavaMonkey
Great show. I’ve been looking into Italian wines, since I haven’t tried enough of them. Gary seems a little loopy today. Did you get any sleep last night? Go home and relax, have a good weekend.
February 8, 2007

dealbhadair
Oh, forgot… QOTD: Staying up until 4:00am on the forums last night! 8-} And, spending way to much time on them during my work day, today. But you’re worth it, man!
February 8, 2007

Wineo
Great episode, kudos boss… I love me some Chianti…
Thanks for bringing it today, can’t wait until tomorrow..
February 8, 2007

Karen Lorentz
Casa Emma sold out already? Oh hell, I’m mad at myself for missing out!!! Will there be more?
February 8, 2007

Deano
Gary V another great episode. I think they get better each time lol. I learned something new today which is always good.

QOTD: I am mad at myself for not drinking more wine instead of other stuff lol
February 8, 2007

Herm
I really enjoyed this episode….I like chianti very much….Qotd all is well….It would have been nice if the Toledo Rockets made it to a bowl game this year though…..
February 8, 2007

MiamiDolphins
great show!

I’ll be mad if I can find the Casa Emma
February 8, 2007

AlisonD
Hi Gary! I have been MIA for a while..got a new job, very busy! I think I need a glass or two of wine = )
February 8, 2007

manual
thanks for another chianti episode. just started getting into this wine again. the high acidity i found in a Ruffino is exactly what turned me away from chianti when i first tried it at a local italian restaurant 15 years ago. unfortunately i wasn’t open minded enough to explore other bottles. now that i cook almost every night it will be fun for me to pair these with foods. QOTD : i am mad at myself for not getting into wines sooner. had i started in my twenties instead of my thirties i could have stored some of those great 80’s and 90’s vintages to open, say, tonight! thanks for turning me on to more wines to enjoy years from now.
February 8, 2007

Ryan P
Hahaha, nice Missy Elliot line .

I’d love to try that Casa Emma now… but I doubt they sell it in my area (Saskatoon, SK). I had a list of 10 wines that I took to the liquor store, and they had ONE kind which was Little Penguin. Oh well, it’s still fun to watch the show!
February 8, 2007

Tommyo
Did you really say pasta sauce and noodles??
February 8, 2007

SpaceJay
Gary,
You’re counting backwards on your board. You’ll get to zero around the first sunday in September. sounds like football season to me. Is your birthday or anniversary on sept 8?

throw me a bone
February 8, 2007

Nico
very very cool episode! This episode along with the Brunello episode are among my favorites! For some reason, to me, Italy beckons, and these wines are of great interest to me.

I really like the episode focus/theme on specific appellations (like Washington , and how you compared different “levels” of Chianti)!

Cool!
-Nico
February 8, 2007

TagWorld Brian
Gary,
You seemed a little surprised when Erik talked during today’s episode. I think you should encourage the whole sidekick dynamic. I’ve got 2 words: Ed McMahon, Andy Richter, Paul Shaeffer, Kevin Eubanks, Doc Severinsen, Hank Kingsley, Tonto. You get my point. Could add a new layer to the show. Great Chianti show. And am I the first to say “fava beans” in this thread?

By the way, what’s with the numbers on the board behind your head? Everyone probably asks, but I can’t figure it out.

Thanks!
- Brian
February 9, 2007

John Blue Label
Gary,
Ah, Italy. Can’t wait to go there someday. I am a huge fan of Italian wine, with Amarone and Brunello being on top. I will have to give the chianti some serious thought. I have always found it a bit thin without enough body for my taste, but the last 2 sounded like winners. Great job, you are covering all the bases for us newbies.
QOTD: I am mad at myself for buying a Eurocave 283. Should have got the 500 series! the one I have is almost full.
JW
February 9, 2007

Dr. Dan
Agreed…Chianti is one of the great food wines. Will be at the store tomorrow to pick up some long-standing orders, so I may have to grab a Casa Emma, too. QOTD: While always a fan of wine, I regret not getting more serious about it during the last 2-3 decades–wasted youth.
February 9, 2007

Lynne
Wow! Site problems again? Last night I could watch the video, but that was it. I tried every link at WL and kept getting error messages. Glad its up and running again. Now I have to watch again to remember which I wanted to order.
February 9, 2007

glenn
GV – you did quality Brunello and now fine Chianti Classico.

it is time, pull the trigger for A M A R O N E before winter ends!

anyone looking for the basic 411 on Tuscany wines and the distinctions about Classico, Riserva and such can hit this site for lots of compact info: http://www.davidstuff.com/wine/chianti.htm

within Chianti, Classico refers to a small region within Tuscany (just N of Siena) and Riserva is a distinction used only for DOC and DOCG wines aged for @ least 3 years. Riserva Barbaresco must be aged 4 years and Riserva Brunello or Barolo 5 years. so Riserva does imply a better quality of wine and Classico to a particular region.

so Casa Emma is the real thing? i may to have to see.

i grew up a Jew in NYC which means you hung with a lot of Italian dudes for safety. i drank wicker basket wine before i had my 1st beer.
February 9, 2007

Rob B
I’ve been trying to find a chianti, I like. I will have to try one of these.
February 9, 2007

Susan
Gary-
Were you having site problems
or
server problems?
Couldn’t get the ep or on the site
until this morning.
Still- I am VERY glad you did
an ep on Chianti!
February 9, 2007

Jim H
I haven’t tasted the Felsina in this episode, but I’ll agree that sometimes they can taste big and monolithic in their youth. There is a possibility, however that this one might open up with time to some of those cherry,floral, almost Barolo-like characteristics in a good vintage. Try this wine in another 2 years and I’ll bet it’s a different wine altogether. Just my opinion having drank most of the Felsina’s various bottlings since 1990.

On the other hand, thanks a bunch for the 2001 Paneretta Reserve. Wish I could hold onto the stuff and let it age some more, but it’s 8 down, four to go. A great buy!

Love WLTV.
February 9, 2007

waibeans
WOW.. great episode. I really like the slowed down style from the last couple episodes. GV you are REALLY packing in the knowledge nuggets these days. Great description of the tasting notes as well. Thanks for keeping it real.
February 9, 2007

Bill Ross
Tuned in late to the Chianti episode, called in a order for some Casa Emma CCR immediately (6:51CST) but it was gone. Matt took a back-order for me, just in case more arrives. When I learned to avoid the cheap stuff, Chianti (CC or CCR) has been consistently pleasing. Excellent episode, especially in view of circumstances.
February 9, 2007

Susan
Gary-
Cocoa Pebbles?
Ok – I like your suggestion that Chianti
pairs well with food but…
Cocoa Pebbles might go just a bit over the
line!
I will try with real food like pasta etc.
or duck
not sure I want wine with my yucky cereal!
February 9, 2007

Leatherpalate
QOD:Didn’t discover WLTV earlier.

Gary thanks for the knowledge brother.
February 9, 2007

Ruben
Man, I guess you have to wake up early out here on the West Coast to get the good stuff.

Somehow you’re already SOLD OUT of the Casa Emma Chianti Classico Riserva!!??

What a let down, you get us all pumped up and now I can’t even try it.

Good show today.

–Ruben
February 9, 2007

GeneV
Great episode.

Once again, the east coast bought out the big winner before I even see WLTV. Oh, well.
February 9, 2007

GottaGoDrink
Gary- Like Susan #47 I couldn’t get your website last night. I mean the winelibrary.com. First time that has ever happened.

Salvatore #22- I learned this week from my daughter’s school work that MA produces 50% of the cranberries in the U.S. Gary, you were one state off with CT.

QOD- I’m mad at myself for missing out on the Casa Emma. I’m a huge Chianti fan.
February 9, 2007

joe
Gary – amazing episode. You have hit a perfect stride now the last few episodes. It is very impressive to me how you integrate the amazingly rich tapestry of your life experiences when evaluating wines (Mr Bubbles, rocks, candy, etc). It is unique and incredibly insightful. Also thanks for highlighting the Rose bowl (”grand-daddy” of all) of wines.

This is now the perfect formula.

Joe
February 9, 2007

SoCal
Gary,
Interesting education on Chianti.
Italian wines have always confused me with their different label designations.

QOTD: I regret not getting a chance to buy the Casa Emma (it was sold out).

Are you getting more?
February 9, 2007

Susan
Gary-
Glad to see such
ENERGY
in this ep!
I will get a chianti this weekend!
Look for my TN’s from my local wine shop
in the NC get together in the next few hours.
There is a good surprise involved in the tasting
I went to last night!
February 9, 2007

NY Pete
GV, you are the man ! QOD… not shopping @ WL before August 2005.
February 9, 2007

Keith Miller
Chianti…Ahhhhh the ultimate food wine because of all that acidity… Well with the right dish of course… great with a steak and a lot of Fat Around The Edges…Yummm.

Good job on the show again…I agree with one e mail on here…Well more than one…ok all. But one stood out…You need a side kick, just once in a while. Once a week maybe…Have to stir the pot sometimes. Oh and one more thing…One email on here mentioned he went to local stores in his area and had a list of wines from your show…He found 1 out of 10…Little Penguin…Whatever. You still need to rethink about what I said Gary V. Just a thought…No Hurry.

Have a Great Weekend…I know I will…..Denverwineguy.
February 9, 2007

CW
QOTD: Not able to buy Emma from WL, but FYI other disapointees, google the wine and you’ll find another NJ establishment that ships that has it for a good price. I gots mines dat way.

QOTD2: Mad/sad that my profession is not my passion. Mad for choosing a profession that is not lucrative enough to be able to follow my passion, until I am 92. Speaking of which my neighbor worked long days, multiple jobs and was able to retire last Friday @ 62. Already made plans for wine travels, and he died this week. Lesson: One would be advised to squeeze passions in on a regular basis.
February 9, 2007

tp
Chianti has always been looked down on by all the ’sophisticates” in the wine world as an inferior. But I have always loved it and I want to thank you profoundly for the episode. If you were a woman I would kiss you but forget about that!!!
February 9, 2007

Runfuret
QOTD: I’m mad at myself for being depressed for a week after the CHARGERS lost that playoff game. Wait, no I’m not. I’m mad at THEM!

Anyway, I’m really glad GV did this episode. I fell in love with the Sangiovese grape years ago. Get the word out, Chianti is back. Good job Gary.
February 9, 2007

Tony S.
Nice show as usual. QOD: I’m dissapointed in myself for having a horribly bad memery. I’m too tired to post anything today. I went to a Chateauneuf-du-Pape tasting (2005’s), man, the white’s were freakin’ good. Nice and refreshing.

Not that that has anything to do with Chianti. OK, I’ll see you later man. Have a good weekend.
T

GO BEARS!!!!!!!!!!
February 9, 2007

wannaBconnoisseur
Great show…..did I hear birds singing?
February 9, 2007

damon
I’m mad at myself for….thinking….heck I dunno.

Gary, WLTV is pure entertainment. I always look forward to what is going to happen.

thanks
February 9, 2007

TagWorld Brian
I have wine with cereal sometimes. I don’t pour it in, but as a nighttime snack, I enjoy dry cereal instead of crackers. I like the LIFE cereal with vanilla yogurt clusters. It’s my toddler’s favorite too. I have that, and wash it down with a glass of 2005 Pillar Box Red (Gary, thanks for the recommendation on that one!). You guys can laugh, but not ’til you’ve tried it.
February 9, 2007

Metal Dave
Gary – nice to see you reviewing the Ugo Bing Chianti Riserva. Ugo’s wines are the only Chiantis we stock in our shops in Ireland and it’s nice to know that you liked it – I was really hoping you’d push it up to 90 though! We started carrying the 2003 vintage last year but sold out of it in about 4 months. We only got the 2004 two weeks ago – now I know that you carry it, I see why we always run out. If you could please stop carying this wine, I’m sure our customers here would greatly appreciate it! Just kidding!-)

QOTD: I am mad ay myself for waiting an extra day to order that ‘85 Chasse Spleen I was telling you about. I guess the ‘89 Cos Labory will have to do. I’m going with duck by the way – I’ll let you knwo how it went!
February 9, 2007

Ken B.
Great Chianti episode Gary. I defintely have to try the Casa Emma given your level of excitement. I tried the site several times last night, but there were obviously some technical problems, glad you were able to resolve them.

Love WLTV.

Go HEELS!

Ken B.
February 9, 2007

Southpaw
GV,

I love Chiantis therefore, I loved this episode.

You mentioned â€œMr. Bubblesâ€ bubble bath. That reminded me of that 1970â€™s childhood favorite carcinogen â€œSuper Elastic Bubble Plasticâ€. My brother and I tried to float our small pets into orbit with this disaster of a kids toy.

QOTD: Iâ€™m mad at myself for not running on the field at Yankee Stadium after Chamblis hit that walk off HR in 1976. I was only 8 years old at the time but it would have made a great story.

I’ve got to go do the work of many.
February 9, 2007

TagWorld Brian
Southpaw, I remember that Super Elastic Bubble Plastic. Ha! It came with a little straw, and you had to put a blob of it on the straw. It was rainbow stripey colored. You had to blow it up through the straw, but I’d always end up inhaling by accident. It was like huffing turpentine. Then it would dry up into this little hard ball that you’d drop on the floor, for the dog to eat. If I ever get a wine that smells like SEBP, I’m sending it back. That’s fo shizzle.
February 9, 2007

mikeyrad
Great episode, absolutely top 10! Chianti is a fave dinner wine so this episode was extremely useful. Thanks.
February 9, 2007

JimVarney01
QOTD: I’m mad that I got a Gabbiano Chianti Classico for my tasting and it tasted like water… I guess I wouldn’t be mad at me, I’d be mad at Gabbiano… Our Allende Rioja that it was toe to toe with was MUCH better…

Is it really that big of a deal rinsing glasses inbetween the same wines? I mean they’re all chiantis, and I know they all tasted different to you but still the same style, same blend? But hey, do what you want man and keep on keepin’ on!

Great job Gary, you and the whole WL crew are doing a spectacular job! Nice ep!
February 9, 2007

Drewnior
Can you lay it down? How long?
February 9, 2007

Elliot
You come up with some of the best off the top comparisons I have ever heard in my life. “Christina Agulira… Used to be dirty.. but now she’s Elegant”! LoL! Also, I must ask, what does it feel like to get hit by a Roman Candle? I used to love those things, but I never got to participate in one of those legendary “Roman Candle Wars”. Do tell.

- E -
February 9, 2007

mbannon
Love a good Chianti!! Too bad I missed out on the Casa Emma.
I’ll look around locally.

QOD – I’m mad at myself for sitting around forcing myself to think of something to be mad at myself over.
February 9, 2007

Rink Man
Great episode! I have never thought much of Chianti but now I need to re-look.

QOTD: I am still mad at myself for not trying to play baseball when I went to college. I was good but I went to school and screwed around for 4 years. I had a good time but I am still mad at myself!
February 9, 2007

boyd
I’m mad I didn’t order my Wine Library wine sooner before my dumbass state decided to make it so you can’t ship to me. Because now every time I watch WLTV I get sad.

Shipping laws are dumb.
February 9, 2007

brooklyni
my family lives in ukraine … they hang rugs everywhere too.
February 9, 2007

RieZin
I too love how food friendly most chianti is – in fact, i find that to be true of most wines from all over italy. I was actually at Casa Emma in September for my honeymoon and we tasted the wines there. Just stumbled on it – had an appointment down the road at Isole e Olena. Its freakin’ beautiful all around Casa Emma, but neither my wife nor I was as taken with the wine as you seem to be. in chianti we enjoyed Corzano E Paterno more. Have you tried their wines?
February 9, 2007

Angry the Clown
Thanks for noting the ‘pigeonholing’ of wines into the point system. This is what I consider to be one of the major flaws in the 100 point system. Tough to get around though.
February 9, 2007

Joe P.
They hang rugs in the middle east too! go figure! Gary, Gary, Gary, it hurts me… every time my wine sensei: but it’s (san joh vay zeh!). when you get the “i” next to the “o” you only get to pronounce the “O.” Crazy Italians!

QOTD: I’m mad that I don’t know more Italian! But I know one word for sure: Vino! jp
February 9, 2007

E
One theory about rugs on the wall: I imagine they come in handy in a less than perfectly insulated building when it’s freakin’ cold outside. I could use some rugs on the wall.

Hope the servers are feeling better.
February 9, 2007

ecola
What’s up with the birds chirping away in the background, are you filming in an aviary?
February 9, 2007

Chad's Bum Shoulder
Thank you for mentioning “other” foods to eat w/ Chianti. Huge pet peeve of mine that peopel felt liek they had to eat Italian with this wonderful wine.

Question:, I’m mad at myself for drinking too many beers for too many years. I’ve been on wine for the last decade, but lost too much time to wheat and barley.
February 9, 2007

joe
Southpa:

I was at the ‘76, Game 5 ALCS Chamblis game also. I was 16 then. I did run on the field – will remember it forever. Do you remember the chant that went on forever (hint it was directred at Howard Cosell)??
February 9, 2007

Diego de la P...
where is wine libraryyy todaaaaay???
February 9, 2007

jbev
Chianti, I am always a fan, being Italian, chiantis are always my go to wine;
earthy, sour cherries,tannic and I use it as my chaser to Italian
cold cut lunch.
February 9, 2007

ChrisR
He’s quoting Missy Elliot! Love that! Great ep.
February 9, 2007

Corrado
Regarding the numbers on the board, I haven’t seen any recent guesses, but my best guess is, depending on how you interpret it, it could be 8/29 or 8/30; 8/30 could be the the start of the 2007-2008 NFL season.
February 10, 2007

Randy B
Gary,

From when nonna mixed chianti with water and added a teaspon of sugar for the kids at Christmas dinner to world class wines. Viva Italia!

I’m mad at myself for neglecting Italian wines for so long. Lately I have been on a Brunello, Barola and Amorone kick. Next month it will probably be Australian Shiraz or California Cabernet. Isn’t this stuff fun???

Ciao
February 10, 2007

SteviefreakinD
Great episode Gary. I love Chianti Classico and I can’t wait to try the Classico Riserva. QOD: where do I start?
February 10, 2007

gogoz
good job gary!
February 10, 2007

John
Chianti and its sangiovese brethren, such as Morellino di Scansano, are QPR superstars. I love them. My wife and I had a 11 euro bottle of Villa Sesta (not far from where Felsina is) at a Michelin one-star restaurant “Trenta” (talk about QPR!) that was one of the most delicious wines that we had on our trip to Italy.

QOD– not going to Italy until I was 47 years old.
February 10, 2007

Elliot Essman
Chianti represents a huge universe of wines and an immense range of qualities. I think the key is to be ready to enjoy them without preconceptions (or wishing they were something else).

I think the first chianti I had was the very first wine I drank. This was a long time ago; it was one of those straw-covered bottles.

I was young, I drank too much too quickly, and let’s just say that the experience did not go very well.

Many decades later, I tried some by-the-glass chiantis in restaurants. They weren’t memorable, but at least they moved my perceptions to change. This allowed me to become more open to all wines.
February 10, 2007

The Raging Platypus
After drinking too much of the Ruffina and Bellini chianti’s of the world, it is refreshing to have you give us a episode on the good stuff out there! Now I’m REAL excited giving the better chianti’s a shot. Thanks Gary!

QOTD: Finally finding something I’m really passionate about (wine), and not having the guys to figure out how to make a career out of it. =P
February 10, 2007

PeteC
Thanks for the Chianti episode…one of my favorite varietals. Went down to the store today to pick up an internet order and asked Eric to order 4 bottles of the Casa Emma if he could get it. Took a walk over to the Italian isle to look for the Villa Cafaggio, and although that was cleaned out, there sat four bottles of the Casa Emma! Made my weekend, for sure.

Hey Gary, how about coming on the Piedmont trip next fall and doing a week’s worth of Wine Library T.V. on the wines of that region. Could be very interesting.

P.S. What’s with the birds in the background?
February 10, 2007

Brookhouser
Great Episode Gary…..

QOTD: Mad about not taking advantage of free shipping when available:)
February 10, 2007

Joel
QOTD:

Not being able to rise above social expectations and do what I feel is right.
February 10, 2007

Denise
What happened to the Friday “Couch Chat,” man?!!?!?
February 11, 2007

Dan McHugh
Gary,

Great episode. Just listening to you go on and on about the Casa Emma – I knew it was something special.

I had an idea for an episode…

What about picking three nice wines in the 90 – 92 point range, opening two bottles of each, tasting both, and noting the differences and similarities between the two bottles? I think that would be an interesting episode.
February 11, 2007

johnmaki
What do those 3 letters on the bottle neck closure mean? is AAA really the best region (center of center) with the rest decreasing as you get further out?

and by the way? with most wines rating from 84 – 94 and you almost never hear of a wine less than 80 say, why aren’t we using a 10 or 20 point scale?

I love your show. I think I’ve seen them all!
February 12, 2007

Metal Dave
Johnmaki – I agree 100% Decanter, a British wine magazine which I feel is superior to Spectator, uses a 20 point scale. Anything over about 16 is good. Plus, it takes away that 90 pt threshold. You know what I mean, if a wine gets 89 no one buys it, but if it gets 90, everyone wants it. That’s very dumb in my mind. I would even go so far as to say not to have points at all, but just a scale that ranges: terrible, really bad, bad, fair, average, good, really good, great, and (nearly) perfect. Wine is (or should be) a work of art like a painting or peice of music. You can’t grade a painting or piece fo music as though it were a math test. It is wrong to do so with wine. It would also do to have separate scales for “real” wines as mass-produced factory wines. Many branded wines taste ok, but there’s nothing “real” or “true” about them. they jhave nothing to do with each other. Just like you wouldn’t judge fast-food joints and Michelin stared restaurants in the same way — or even in the same publication!
February 12, 2007

Bryan in SC
Great episode Gary.

QOTD – getting sucked into the foolish arguments about people feeling “cheated” by WLTV. I’ve never felt that way and feel I wasted my time on those blogs that went deep into the evening last week!

Keep up the good work GAry!
Bryan
February 12, 2007

Brandon M
Bryan…some have put a lot of work in themselves. Keep that in mind before judging!
February 12, 2007

D. Rubes
GV, you have to do an episode on how to properly open a bottle. There are too many people out there who have no idea how to uncork good wines. Thanks man…you’re great! Keep it up!

DR
February 12, 2007

dabo
Great episode Gary. Hope I can get my hands on some Casa Emma in the Chicago area.

Johnmaki and Metal Dave — Interesting take on the ratings… I like it.

QOTD – I’m disappointed that I waited too long (perhaps 3 years too long) to start looking for a new job. It’s time for a change!
February 13, 2007

jeremiah
got to find some of that casa emma?..though isn’t the vanilla one of those new world things that new oak treatment gives to all sorts of wine and that in the end makes the wine can’t undifferentiable from anything else? sort of mixed feelings about this gary
February 14, 2007

ThomasS
Super ep. this time. Glad you shouted it out loud that it’s the wine discourse that prevents them from getting rates according to their true value. Everybody is screaming for Supertuscs, Bruns or Bolghs, but forgets that there is also smth else out there. With Chianti it’s not even that bad: think of Morellino di Scansano and Carmignano, also Sangiovese (even more than Chianti) and they can be so darn elegant and refined.
Yet, I’m pretty upset about the idea that Sangiovese-old-style-Chianti can’t be good. You know, in fact the Sang. has only a very tiny amount of anthocyanin pigments, so it’s natural that the colour isn’t baffling, also that vanilla tinge … not really a match to Sang. I think it often overwhelms the subtle sour cherry, violets, liquorice (the traditional wooden sticks) and anisy liquorice (the sweets). Chianti originally was raised in ‘botte’, huge, upright installed wooden barrels, that were used for ages. They don’t give a vanillary scent to the wine, only add elagitannins. ‘Botte’ are made of Slavonian oak or often chestnut. That’s makes for a very big difference. So, watch it Garry, I am not saying that vanilla in Chianti is wrong or smth stupid like that (when a wine is good its good, that’s all – I don’t sip the glass with my brains, but with my mouth), but this dark colour, vanilla, hefty body and all, it’s just smth that’s a bit ‘into’ wine discourse today. That’s all, it’s Parker/WS-style. Nothing wrong with that, but, to me, it’s not to be taken as a measure to rule all others. And of course, this has nothing to do with the ridiculous discussion about whether international grapes like Cab. Sauv., Merl., Shir., Chard., should be planted in Tuscany or not. If they grow ok there and deliver excellent wines, why not? When they come to threaten diversity, this is another thing though … (lazy marketing, lazy consumption, conservatism in criticism?).
That’s why I’m going berserk for a bottle of Ugo Bing, Riecine or Montevertine: they have very OW stuff, but they can also deliver great modernized wines. I prefer the OW’s of course, but I’ll never bash the others. So, another reason not confuse tradition with a reactionary stance (hate that, really HATE that, …). That’s why I think Casa Emma is great, however sometimes overdone and to much of a market slut. That’s why I positively hate Banfi (that’s not Brunello folks, but flabby, overextracted, sugary grape juice, yuk).
C ya.
February 17, 2007

Corrado
Episode would have been better w/ a basket Chianti thrown in there.
February 20, 2007

J Crazy
WHY AM I MAD?!?! Cuz I only learned about Wine Library TV about six months ago and have to watch it for about 19 hours a day to catch up from 1. Oh yeah, Chianti is good too. Very Italian.
March 14, 2007

Anthony
Gary great to see you taste some other Chiantis – I was one of the complainers about your choices the first time around. There are a lot of amazing wines being made here and the overall quality of the region is getting better all the time.
I also just watched a bunch of other episodes – your Italian pronunciation is getting better, but you have to put the final “a” on Sangiovese – “San-geo-vays” sounds horrible!
September 13, 2007

Jt
Gary great episode. Love the Chianti. QOTD: I’m still mad i didn’t buy more 82 & 96 Lafite most of all, also Clone 5 when i had the chance, and that i haven’t tried the Casa Emma yet. Cheers ~~~
April 6, 2008

Grif
It weirds me out when all the bottles make a sudden shift to the right. You must be inadvertently doing something with the table cloth.
April 26, 2009

Amy
Gary, where can I find the 2003 Casa Emma Chianti Classico Riserva???? I live in Washington state and am trying to find a store that sells it. Could you please help me out? I would rather buy the wine in person so I have it right away so I can surprise my husband! I’m starting to enjoy wine more and I love watching your videos! Please e-mail me back with any tips you have at Aet01@hotmail.com! Thank you again for your description of a great wine!
Sincerely,
Amy Reasoner
May 15, 2009

Todd
Gary,
Thanks so very much for fueling my passion for wine. I often turn to your video blog for inspiration and you come through in spades with your honed palate, wit and candor. I am angry with myself because I can’t stand intolerance or hypocrisy. We need room for these things.
Cheers, T.
July 19, 2009

wayno da wino
Yo G, trollin’ some of the earlier episodes (again), tooooooooo muuuuch
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN !!!!

qotd: That i was a “lurker” for awhile…..
October 21, 2009

Aaron Ludwig
Yes, great episode.
“Nice rug.”
October 25, 2009

John J.
qotd not discovering wine earlier

Gary you should tackle a vin jaune on the show sometime

Chianti Wine – Episode #179

Wines tasted in this episode:

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