Chianti wine with a little Parmigiano

Chianti wine with a little Parmigiano – Episode #550

October 2, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk pairs up some Chianti wines with Parmigiano Reggiano.

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Comments on this episode(135) Leave a comment ›

“Wow, Can’t remember ever seeing an o-fer on WLTV.
QOTD: Casalvento …” by Nick V
“Looking for a good pizza wine– try some Cesanese del Piglio. You ca…” by Mike P
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Wines tasted in this episode:

Badia A Coltibuono Cetamura Chianti ClassicoChianti Classico
2006 Strozzi ChiantiChianti Classico
2006 Antinori Peppoli Chianti ClassicoChianti Classico

135 Responses

October 2, 2008

Eli2Tyree
Hey think I am 1st!
October 2, 2008

Purple Tooth
I think Chiani Classico was the first “serious” wine I ever had.
October 2, 2008

hinrgman
Italy again
October 2, 2008

ChrisBerto
2nd?

Love the Chianti country!! Where is everybody?!?!
October 2, 2008

T. Holland
Chianti was the wine that got me into wine. Went to Chianti Classico on my honeymoon & had a blast. Have to give my son a bottle. Will watch episode later and comment.
October 2, 2008

T. Holland
Btw, not a bottle of chianti, he’s only 7 weeks old…
October 2, 2008

Walt Ribeiro
Very cool Gary! Love it
October 2, 2008

Glen.... winecrazy.com
That was cool…..!!!

I’m going to get some cheese now and have a wine and cheese night tonight.
October 2, 2008

Scott EJ
Chianti is probably the most hit-or-miss wine for me. If it’s good, it’s really good. When it’s bad, it sucks.

QOTD: My most recent Chianti that I thought brought a little clap of thunder was the ‘05 Felsina Chianti Berdenga Classico Riserva. Young, but nice fruit, good structure, and decent finish.
October 2, 2008

Eli2Tyree
QOTD I always enjoy the selvapiana chianti ruffina and the 06 was no different… also I have had consistent luck with the Frescobaldi nippozzano riserva and Montasodi.. I have not had the new felsina as of yet but I am looking forward to it as well… would love to see that on the thunder show…visited the catello d abola vinyard, so always a place in my heart for that one!
October 2, 2008

Austin
Not pertaining to the episode (which was great), I would like to see someone with a lot of wine tasting experience give this a true review. It is an ultrasonic machine designed to artificially age a wine.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/3115492/Ultrasound-machine-turns-cheap-plonk-into-fine-wine-in-30-minutes-says-inventor.html

What do you all think?
October 2, 2008

KVolk
QOTD: I am zero for italy so far…nothing I have tried I have liked varietal wise from italy….
October 2, 2008

Purple Tooth
I think that the quality of Chianti has slipped over the past few years. I thought that maybe my palate had changed, but I don’t know. I agree with you about the Ruffino. Even the gold label is not as good as it was. Not worth the money.
October 2, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
Can Chianti (or even Sangeovese) really be saved?
October 2, 2008

Derek F.
0 for 3, oww well you cant win them all.
October 2, 2008

Derek F.
0 for 3, ow well cant win em all.
October 2, 2008

RonC
Here’s my three suggestions:

Selvapiana Bucerchiale Chianti Classico Riserva 2004,
Da Vinci Riserva Chianti 2004
and
Frescobaldi Nipozzano Reserva Chianti 2005
October 2, 2008

Paryb
Gary, I love a Chianti every once in a while, indeed Sangiovese is one of my fave mainstream grapes.

Had a New Mexico wine called Nini from Luna Rossa Winery, it’s Sangiovese, Barbera, Refosco, docetto and Nebbiolo. Fan Fucking tastic wine.

Imma going to send you a bottle, I swear.
October 2, 2008

Neil
QOTD: Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva, Badia Coltibuono Chianti Cl Riserva, Vignamaggio, Nippozzano Riserva & Selavpiana Chianti Rufina.
October 2, 2008

amgryger
QOTD: Not much of a chianti drinker, I know too many people who have served me too much crappy chianti. What about Felsina or maybe Corzano e Paterno. I had a Panerreta a while back that wasn’t too bad either.
October 2, 2008

JudeMurphy
I’ve only ever tasted one Chianti that I really liked but I forget what it was called.
(As usual!) : P
October 2, 2008

Riley
QOTD: I had a 05 Da Vinci Chianti Classico that was thoroughly enjoyable. But i am obsessing much more about the more rustic piedmontese wines at the moment.
October 2, 2008

Rich
not much experience with Chianti, tried a couple and definitely didn’t care for them much, they seem too watered down for my palette
October 2, 2008

Marc
I had some really good chianti’s in Tuscany, but haven’t found anything at home that has been worth recommending.
October 2, 2008

jason
whadya gonna do? too bad. BTW thanks for saving me $20 cause the antinori is at my wine store and it was kinda on the radar.
QOTD – i have not been drinking to many chiantis as of late, but i had a 2003 chianti classico reserva, DOCG ” la Selvanella”. it was a 03, so not very typical but it was tasty. granted it had a a lot of T & A, i was a fan. next time. BTW, i wish you would explain how the labeling works is chianti with the pink lables, the rooster… etc + 06 is supposed to be a tight vintage, right?

http://www.manor.ch/de/shops/products.cfm?product_id=182256&quantity=1&Category_ID=44&shop_id=1&weinkategorie=1&param=rot&marke=Italien&param2=rot&top_category_ID=44
October 2, 2008

Marshall
QOTD:Not lateley, the last one I had was expensive and a major letdown.
Please do a Kentucky Bourbon show. Or Perhaps a cognac/argmanac show.
October 2, 2008

sam
Yeah well, I was going to pop open my Falco De’ Neri, Chianti Classico Riserva 2001, a suggestion from a reliable sommelier friend, but I guess I’ll stick to my Ch. David Cru Bourgeois from the Médoc for tonight (I’m rarely disappointed by this area).

Keep your smile Gary!
October 2, 2008

Zinfreak
Don’t think I’ve really had a Chianti that I’ve liked. Probably because I’ve only ever drank them at restaurants by the glass. I should give a quality Chianti a chance.
October 2, 2008

Matt
Not really into Chianti for more than 5-6 years.

QOTD: Anyway, I’ve got three that I drank recently that where good:

Brolio, Chianti Classico 2006
Castello de Volpaia Cianti Classico Riserva 2004 ( 2003 was even better)
Castello Nipozzano Riserva Frescobaldi Chianti Rùfina 2005 (2004 was better)
October 2, 2008

Matt
Sorry in the last post where=were
October 2, 2008

Rick D
Too bad about these Chiantis. This is one of our “go to” styles since they pair well with Italian food which is our favorite.

QOTD: My recommendation is Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva 2004. Cherries and vanilla dominate the nose and palate. Very smooth and full bodied with a nice finish.
October 2, 2008

Robert Howells
CASAL THAULERO 2007- This is $9.00 in Canada so in Jersey you can get it for $3.00
October 2, 2008

Robert Howells
Sorry, That wine is not a Chianti!!
October 2, 2008

Dex
most inexpensive Chianti taste like batterade
October 2, 2008

Dominus
My “pal” has been craving some Chianti lately and this show excited me that I will be able to satisfy my thirst but unfortunately no winner tonight. Good show though esp pairing them with cheese to no avail.

QOTD: I’ve always liked the inexpensive Isole e Olena by Antinori. I think it would have a good QPR.

Sante!
October 2, 2008

Pete
I really enjoy the Travignoli Chiantis. Riserva is great and the non-riserva is very good too.
October 2, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: I haven’t had a Chianti that I’ve enjoyed a lot in a while, and I used to love them to death.
October 2, 2008

John Farrin
QOTD: It’s not technically a chianti but the Turnbull Toroso (92% sangiovese, 5% petite verdot, 3% sagrantino) was very nice in 2004. 2005 is current edition but I haven’t had it. Only available through the winery. $30.00
October 2, 2008

pdxwineguy
GARY!

What happened to the follow up cheese tasting from last week, wasn’t that supposed to be today??

QOTD: you MUST try Castell’N'Villa. it doesn’t just bring the thunder, it brings the whole rainstorm !!

PS you da man
October 2, 2008

Jay
Opening the pack of cards was awesome. Keep doing that. By the way, I HATE Garrett Anderson.
October 2, 2008

Andy
QOTD: 2007 Maritma Sangiovese, it’s not a chianti, but it’s close and it’s real good. Enormous QPR.
October 2, 2008

Scott S.
Gary, Ah bummer, I am a fan of Chianti. Don’t really drink much but always splurge a bit on good classico when my wife and I make a trip to NYC and have lunch in Little Italy

QOTD: I got nada. You featued a $7 Chianti (Colli Senesi) from a show way back that you gave a very good score. I think I bought a case and enjoyed every bottle.
October 2, 2008

M
QOTD: Recently this was recommended. I haven’t tasted it yet, 2005 Toscolo, Chianti Classico

Years ago I enjoyed the 1990 Chianti Classico Riservas. I was new to red wine at the time and I enjoyed Chianti. Since the 1996 vintage, I’ve had very few. Or was it 2000? Don’t remember. In my wine cellar, I have the 2005 Toscolo Chianti Classico and 2004 Frascole Chianti Rufina and 2004 Terre di Corzano Chianti.
October 2, 2008

Roberto
Gary,

Good show, bad results. However, I have one official question: it feels like you think the 87 point wine (Peppoli) is just blah, but when you rate a wine 90 points you love it and think it´s a big winner. So three little measly points make that big a difference? Or maybe this is your subconscious way of saying you liked one wine, but not the other, and the point system sucks…

either way, interesting.

QOTD: not really, none.
October 2, 2008

Bill
qotd: Querciabella Chianti Classico, about $22 – $25.
October 2, 2008

Drew
My palate has moved away from most Chiantis in favor of heavier, more complex flavors. Too bad there wasn’t a good one in the bunch.

QOTD: I remember liking a 2001 Monserrat Chianti Riserva on a trip to Rome, and I have a couple bottles of 2004 Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico Riserva, which is quite drinkable and inoffensive. Maybe a little overpriced at $17 though.
October 2, 2008

sleh
Each year more people are killed in Civil War reenactments than in the actual war.
October 2, 2008

SadCanuck
I can get the 2006 Antinori Peppoli Chianti Classico up here in Canada for $22. Normally there is about a 50% markup over your prices, so I’m surprised you are not selling it for $15.
October 2, 2008

AbsolutLahmi
I have yet to find a Chianti that I liked. Overall everything i’ve had so far tasted flat, one dimensional, and had finishes that pretty much were non-existent.

Other Sangiovese based Italians float my proverbial wine boat much better than Chianti.

Chianti makes me sad.
October 2, 2008

AbsolutLahmi
By the way – just reading the comments..

Can we deduce from this that Chianti just kind of…sucks?
October 2, 2008

Alex
I really liked the Castello di bossi 2001 chianti Classico
October 2, 2008

RANDI
GARY!!
Thats my fave pairing…
QOTD: Heres my problem…there is a Chianti I adore…cant remember the name to save my life! If I saw it..or heard it mentioned, I would know… I think I need a wine made from Ginseng!
October 2, 2008

E dog
hey Gary ! If all the wines on the show were amazing, none of them would stand out… You need to know what a “bad” wine is to appreciate the good ones !

QOTD: can t really recommend a chianti in particular, but keep looking, there are some fantasticaly aromatic chiantis out there.
October 2, 2008

Gunman
QOTD: 1997 Fontodi Chianti Classico Reserva – Vigna del Sorbo. I lucked into a half case at auction for a net price of $13 a bottle. Unfortunately the VDS runs closer to $50 each at retail. Reset my expectations for what chianti can be.
October 2, 2008

Sue
Can you ever drink (not taste) wine without making that noise? Does it drive your wife crazy? Just curious….
October 2, 2008

Izek
Gary, love the baseball card bit. QOTD: 2004 Felsina Chianti Classico Rancia rocks my face off.
October 2, 2008

Slushpuppy
I believe chianti means ‘the dregs’ in Italian. ie the stupid Americans will drink anything. Spanish wine for my taste are far superior for the same or less than the Italian wines.
Smell it first!
October 2, 2008

jimkay
QOTD: 2004 Fontodi Chianti Classico – you guys had it earlier this year, but are sold out now.
2005 Querciabella Chianti Classico – the 04 was good too. The 06 will probably be good too. Don’t think you’ve had any of these in stock
October 2, 2008

jimkay
Hey Slushpuppy – who cares what you think?
October 2, 2008

Izek
Dominus, just a correction. Isole e Olena is not made by Antinori. It is made by Paolo De Marchi, who makes a tremendous 100% Sangiovese Toscana called Cepparello. His Vin Santo is also amazing. The basic chianti classico for about $20 is quite solid as well.
October 2, 2008

Leigha
2006 Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Cetamura 8.99 retail. I dont say much but what I do say is worth saying.!
October 2, 2008

SurfCityJay
Nice show, as always… GA and my Serifinas better hit the ball better tomorrow night vs. Dice-K or your Cubs v Angels series is a bust … BT, Cubbies are losing 5-0 in game two…

QOTD… you can NEVER go wrong with Fontodi…
October 2, 2008

manonthemoon
Major let down after yesterday’s show, but that was pretty much a given.

QOTD: Never had a chianti that did it for me.
October 2, 2008

Andrew Vitale
Gary, the ‘04 or ‘05 Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva is delicious. Also, ‘05 Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico and their ‘99 Cortaccio IGT is really good. Try these on your show…
October 2, 2008

Pete G
Man life is bad when you have to eat a pound of cheese in order to make
the wine taste better.

QOTD: Big fan of Monsanto riserva, the 03 and 04 I’ve had are very good at
around $15 a bottle.
October 2, 2008

wine-ot
Great show yesterday GV…anyway how about bringing SS Chris on the show?
October 2, 2008

Andrew Vitale
QOTD:Gary, the ‘04 or ‘05 Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva is delicious. Also, ‘05 Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico and their ‘99 Cortaccio IGT is really good. Try these on your show…
October 2, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
QOTD= I wish I could say “hey Gary try this one” but truth be told Chianti has been a let down for me for quite a while. Maybe no cheese next time and some Fava beans instead
October 2, 2008

Bored Doe
Great episode as usual… QOTD- I LOVE Italian wine and sangiovese however chianti has never really done it for me. I believe they produce good wines, but nothing I have ever had was anywhere close to amazing.
October 2, 2008

brorjace
Terra Nostra is a good cheapie. Speaking of tanking, my Cubs are looking like they forgot how to play baseball.
October 2, 2008

Tristen
Chiati is all over the board. I don;t have one for ya that I think is reliable.

How about a Cab Franc show? Your going back to the well on Chianti lets mix it up a little bit.
October 3, 2008

Scotty L
gary, i love pulling up old cards with all those memories. QOTD:2001 viticcio c.c. riserva you will be right back on track!
October 3, 2008

Jimmy T
sorry about the crap wines…

QOTD: not had one that i would say is GREAT yet
October 3, 2008

Tyler Walker
Felsina Berardenga 2006 Chianti CLassico…oh oh oh
October 3, 2008

Withnail
Tough sledding there. Oh well, comes with the territory.
October 3, 2008

JT
The first two you picked were duds to begin with. I hoped for more out of the third. You need to do a show on Felsina CCR Rancia. It seems to be one of the few chianti that gets the royal treatment. Also Farnetella is an excellent value for 12-15$.
October 3, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – don’t have any recommendations, sorry.

When you were talking about the baseball cards, you made me think about the crazy guy who used to be on the Home Shopping Channel – I think his name was Don West. This guy used to go ballistic about Gem-mint 10 rookie cards…
October 3, 2008

apj_bobswineguy
Not a total loss-breaking open the pack and getting all those gems! What a stroll back in time! Appreciate you saying you can’t recommend them if you just aren’t feeling it. Don’t always have time to watch entire episodes but I loved Yesterday’s when he slammed the “taste” of Riesling!!! Damn funny stuff. I’ll get back to that one soon. You should rewatch that one. You’re sniffing, swirling & gargling while he’s got his head tilted full throttle backwards!!!
October 3, 2008

apj_bobswineguy
Question back to you>does it matter to you if a wine should be somewhat true to type? By that I am asking, should a buyer expect certain flavors from certain regions. The Antinori as you described it seemed too dark to be a chianti…maybe. But, I agree, especially after tasting Spanish wines for the past month, that many times there are just tastier wines at certain prices.
October 3, 2008

Paul V
QOTD: I got nothing for you. Chianti, no, sorry. But I am looking. I’ll let you know what I find.

Keep up the great work.
Also, no Aluminum can not rust as rust is Iron Oxide. Only ferrite steels (and iron obviously) can rust. Aluminum however can oxidize into Alumina (AlO3) which is a type of ceramic and is used in electrical insulation. It forms a very, very thin skin on exposed aluminum but I doubt it has any scent.
October 3, 2008

Medo
@QOTD:

We hat a 2003 Poggio Bonelli Chianti Classico last week and it was quite good! ~89+ points!
October 3, 2008

Phil M'Glassup
My favorite Chianti was a Nozzole I had a couple of years ago. Sustantial, spicy, almost brunello like and a bargain at less than $20. Alas, I don’t remember the year.
BTW, I’m surprised at all teh praise for the Monsanto. I had a riserva and found it colossally disppointing. Wan, watery, hollow, empty. And sad. Nice label tho.
October 3, 2008

Paul C
Castello di Fonterutoli is beautiful, and I quite like Canonica a Cerreto Res when I am in the mood for powerful oaky wine.
And Chianti doesn’t mean ‘dregs’ in Italian, its the name of the region since the early 1700’s. Its good to see Slushpuppy is earning his money working for the Spanish Wine Board.
October 3, 2008

Ken T
A good Tuesday night Pizza Chianti. Da Vinci Reserva 2004
October 3, 2008

hugh
You know there’s gonna be a WLTV disappointment when you start with McGuire and Cansceco….now, if it were a tasting of pumped-up Barossa Shiraz, maybe that would have been the proper segue….
October 3, 2008

CaseyLee
still a good episode . thanks
October 3, 2008

italianwinelover
Too bad about the off day. It seemed like that kind of a day -upsets – at least for the peeps in Chicago – I’m a southsider all the way and its not over till the fat lady sings or the goat comes home (?)!! Kewl cards!

QOTD: I love Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico, it is a little pricey but worth every penny. It has a great bouquet ripe cherry and violet and has a nice balance throughout – I like partnering it with Parmigiano/Asiago or any stinky feet cheeses!
October 3, 2008

FirstLite
You’re going to laugh but the tuesday night pizza wine is Ruffino Aziano Chianti Classico. I like it and it’s easy of the pocket.
October 3, 2008

brainpain
The most exciting part of this show were the cards… Mark, Jose, and Bo all in one pack? I never got that kind of luck back in the day!
QOTD: If GV can’t find a good Chianti.. we are all in for a world of hurt!
October 3, 2008

Kenny Dion
2004 Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva
October 3, 2008

Scottie P
The card pack was fun. I’d like to see another show on Chianti because I haven’t found a good one yet. Granted I’ve only tried four or so, but none was worth drinking again. Find some good ones with a soild QPR for us, please!!!
October 3, 2008

Kenny Dion
Sorry a little premature postilation there. the 2004 Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva is an awesome wine. I first had it when someone gave it to my inlaws in a gift basket. They don’t drink so they gave it to me. Really Really good stuff. Later I also found out it was on wine spectators list of top 100 wines. I believed it came in at the 45-55 range. It’s whats gotten me into wine as much as I am.
October 3, 2008

Chris
Great show, once again !

Regarding Kenny Dion’s comment, from Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list, the price range is more around 22 $.

But another Chianti from Frescobaldi which is even better (although more expensive) is the Montesodi Frescobaldi Chianti Rùfina 2004 .

Here in Monopoly Land (Quebec, Canada), the price rolls in at around 55$. Maybe this one is what Kenny was refering to.

Either way, Nipozzano is a good Chianti QPR and Montesodi is really a great wine, although not in the QPR range.

Chris
October 3, 2008

Sassodoro
Too bad about these Chianti’s. I was surprised to hear that the Peppoli got such a high rating. The Peppoli’s I have had have struck me as ok but meh. It sounds like this one struck you that way, too.

QOTD. Maybe a year ago I got a case of Fattoria di Lucignano Chianti Colli Fiorentini. It was a closeout and cost something like $5/bottle. It won’t change your world, but it does have an Old World dirty-socks/rotting-leaves sort of thing that I like. A much more expensive Sangiovese that I like (not a Chianti, but still Tuscan Sangiovese) is Petrolo Torrione.
October 3, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo G, nice try with the Chiantis. Haven’t been drinkin’ many of ‘em
lately, so don’t have any recommendations. They’re an OK vino to
chug with pizza, but there’s a zillion other vinos i’d rather have…..
October 3, 2008

WineWoman
QOTD: Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico Reserva—the ‘99 kills. Had the 2004, it was good but enjoyed the ‘99 better. Also the Fonterutoli.
October 3, 2008

J Pags
Gary, saw you in a recent episode of you on The Smart Show. I thought it was great. Hopefully one day I’ll bump into you too! http://thesmartshow.blip.tv/episodes/?cm_sp=ex-_-smartshow-_-ssEpisodes
October 3, 2008

JonE
Brutal honesty: priceless.
Cheers for speaking the truth. That’s a hard commodity to come by in this business.

QOTD: Querciabella has always performed well for me.
October 3, 2008

Smahlatz
I’ve had quite a few chiantis, but yet to have one that’s really impressed. I haven’t given up though – just don’t seek them out.
October 3, 2008

ev
CORRECTIONS: I see no evidence that the Cetamura and Strozzi chiantis are Classicos, but the tags, links and your site lists them so. However GV does not say they are. I would suggest when talking of chiantis, an explanation of regular Chiantis vs. Classico, Rufina (not Ruffino)……….. would be educational as I would guess a huge percentage of your viewing public does not know.
October 3, 2008

Kevin K
Sad times.
October 3, 2008

Murso
GV – kahn-eye-OH-low!!! I’m sorry to rag on you – you’re a great success, and a big influence on a large number of people! You’ve got to do something to stop murdering foreign words/names. SLOW down and spell it out. And speaking of slow, I think you just had a bad tongue day, and on top of that, kinda raced though the wines (esp. with the cheese – it takes TIME to actually taste, unlike Mr. Smith, who, rocker that he is, thoroughly knows everything about his wine, and is slugging BECAUSE HE CAN! (I dug that!) Though these are entryish level Chiantis, and part of a HUGELY expansive market segment with broad range in taste as well as price, names like Coltibuono (Roberto Stucchi family) and Antinori should merit more than a passing glance (or swig, as it were). It’s right behind you on the board (which we LOVE)! These are family names with long histories and pedigrees devoted to farming here, unlike commodity based producers who are in it just to get a piece of the money. Da Vinci, you know who you are…
October 3, 2008

Murso
QOTD – though I’m not a big Chianti drinker – less than 3 bottles/year will do… along w/ lots of the goodies mentioned so far, I’ve enjoyed Castellare CH. Classico of several vintages. A Winebow/ Leonardo Locascio import.
October 3, 2008

GregStefos
My favorite: Da Vinci Riserva Chianti 2004
October 3, 2008

Bill
Gary: you asked for it!! – and I’ve asked for this before (a few times) – but you once sold the Pacina Chianti Classico Colli Senese, maybe 7 years ago? I still remember it. Flinty, incredible tanins, unbelievable weight and fruit. Pure as the driven snow. Never seen it since! THIS is a wine you should hunt down – it is still available in Italy!
October 3, 2008

Nathan
Fattoria La Ripa Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2000. The best CC I’ve had, and it’s still drinking very well.
October 3, 2008

Bobo36
Gee another string of dissapointing Italian wines… save these to melt the ice in your driveway. QOTD: yeh, try another country would be best. I think you have to go 2 or 3 more price points up to find something drinkable.
October 4, 2008

DAve A
good show. nice you are not just giving compliments! smile. Can’t put lipstick on some pigs, so matter what Obama says.

When is the next secret pack, we just had the neighbors over and did the show – wow, like this show – not much good in wines. But nice to expand the palate! Not disappointed. We were about 50% snif’ing and tasting what you said – which is normal for us 8. smile. The last one was great, like a weak port, but good. I’d do that for $16 a bottle again.

QOTD: Chianti’s liven up when I have my bourbon saute’d salmon dip with them.
October 4, 2008

T. Bone
I want to see a speed drink-eat-drink wine and food pairing show. Dang, the speed with which you tasted your way through the cheese and wine at the end of this show is incredible. Watch the highlights at 10, that was awesome. How did you do that? Seriously, do a speed tasting episode. 3 cheeses, 3 wines, may the best pairing win….
October 4, 2008

pierazzo
Dear Gary and fellas, what were you supposed to expect from some cheap chianti? any idea of the real price that we should pay in Italy for this kind of stuff without the iporter/transport/change charges? At this price in my opinion the only thing you can expect is a flawless honest everyday table wine. Let’s put this on the right prospect. ciao
October 4, 2008

Shawn_944
Still a good episode, shows that your honest and true to the wines, not always bringing the best of the best out but that you still do get shitty wines at any price point…
October 4, 2008

BenZorg
Want to save the face of the Chiantis wines ? Try the Poggio Tocco 2004, Vino Nobile de Montepulciano, 9€ the bottle.
October 4, 2008

Kimberly
QOTD: Castello di Monastero Chianti Classico has always done me well…especially the 1999 if you can find it now.
October 4, 2008

terrypk1
HAY. how about a 2004 ROGGIO DEl filare
I LOVE IT.it never fails me..but it is one the pricey end..sigh..
October 5, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
Tasted 20 chianti classicos at the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta the end of September. Everyone of them including the Pepoli were mediocre at best so I don’t have any recommendations though the Tiganello was great.
October 5, 2008

Franky
so many good memories when it comes to chiantis. fonterutoli, felsina, villa cafaggio, poggerino, volpaia. good stuff but way too pricey today. you find better wines in portugal, spain, argentina and even in france. 2005 killer-bordeaux for 10 to 15 euro here in berlin. and this stuff seriously rocks the house.
October 5, 2008

Dan-o
Not a great show.
While I admire the resolve to find a value Chianti, I never seem to find them.
I find that if I pay a few more bones, I am in a safer zone.

QOTD – I like the Montesodi Chianti Rufina, which I believe is an Antinori product as well. The Castello Nippozano bu Antinori is also decent.
October 5, 2008

JayZee
The show was disappointing, but not surprising to me. For my palate, cheap Chianti has never been a good play.

QOTD: Panaretta is about my favorite Chianti right now.
October 5, 2008

Achilleas in Cyprus
Show OK, bad result of 0 & 3.

QOTD: Have to agree – lately not been finding any half-decent Chianti’s
October 5, 2008

Robin C
QOTD: I used to love a chianti that was served at a nearby restaurant when I was in graduate school. My friend and I would go there and get teary-eyed over things that were going on in our lives; we had a good time. But the chianti was pulled and I’ve never found another that I liked as well.
October 6, 2008

David K.
The best Chianti Classico I’ve had recently is from Fontodi. Querciabella is also quite nice. But both are over $20.
October 6, 2008

vinosseur
Hey Gary

I am sorry you didn’t find any “thunder” today. I recommend the following Chianti producers:

Isole e Olena – very elegant style Chianti’s
Fattoria di Felsina – Traditional Chianti’s
and Vicchimaggio.

And, lets not forget to try Selvapiana in Chianti Rufina, North East of Chianti Classico!

Take care,
October 6, 2008

vinosseur
Thats Vicchiomaggio, sorry!

Cheers
October 6, 2008

pawncop
The last Chianti I tried was a 2000 Querceto Classico Riserva that was OK but nothing to write home about.

I do have a 2004 Vola Classico Riserva that I will try at some point.

Looking forward to the next episode.
October 7, 2008

T. Holland
Had the Vigna Vecchia 2001 Chianti Classico (not 100% sure on that vintage). I thought it was pretty darn good. Can’t remember exactly what the flavor profile was like for the 2001 b/c I drank it a while ago. I also have a bottle of the 2004, which is supposed to be pretty good as well. Looking forward to opening the ‘04 on my 5 year anniversary. My wife & I actually visited their Vineyard in 2004 on our honeymoon just by chance & brought home a few bottles.
October 8, 2008

Jayhitek
QOTD: I like chianti.. But not one that I can really remember that I can tell you about.
October 8, 2008

ChiroGuyDC
QOTD: I’m not a huge Chianti fan, but when I partake, it’s usually of the DaVinci variety! GREAT SHOW GARY!!!
October 18, 2008

Kristen
Ouch, bat to the knees…well you are in Jersey!

QOTD: Nope, been drinking lots of French wine though!
October 26, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
LOve Chianti!
Q-Had some good ones lately but the names escape me.
November 1, 2008

Misty
We had a bottle of the nini from Luna Rossa and must agree with Paryb, fan fucking tastic, especially for a $20 bottle.
Bought it at the New Mexico Wine festival just to have it with pizza later that night and wish we would’ve bought one for every Saturday night.
November 9, 2008

yowens
QOTD: Fonterutoli
January 23, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
0-3 EVEN with the cheese…. that hurts esp. when youre working it so hard for us. Hey, you taste the wines so we dont have to. QOTD: Finishing the last of a 2005 Nipozzano Riserva Chianti Rufina. I actually like it farily well. Drinks smooth for me with little tannins.
January 24, 2009

salvatore
I also like the Frescabaldi “2005 Nipozzano”.

Not cheap at around $23 here in Ma., but fairly long finish and vg by itself.

Although much better with steak, chops and pasta.

Worth a tasting on WLTV.
February 4, 2009

Mike P
Looking for a good pizza wine– try some Cesanese del Piglio. You can find some great $8-11 Cesanese that brings some serious pizza-and-wine thunder.

Still catching up, working through every single episode
June 13, 2009

Nick V
Wow, Can’t remember ever seeing an o-fer on WLTV.
QOTD: Casalvento Chianti and Chianti Riserva absolutely crush it, very limited availability in the US.