As we holiday in Northwest Tuscany  fairly regularly (but outside the Chianti region) and we’re off there again in a month, this article by Jancis Robinson in the FT on Chianti caught my eye. <link>

Apparently, this is the first year that “white wine grapes have been outlawed” from the making of Chianti Classico.  Up until 2006, Chianti was a blend of white (mostly Trebbiano) and red (mostly Sangiovese) grapes. I knew white grapes were used in Rhone wines but didn’t realise they were used in Chianti.

I really recommend the article and the column. It’s always a very good read. Here’s Jancis’ list of recommended 2006 Classicos.

Taste of Tuscany: Classic Classicos

RECOMMENDED 2006s
●Badia a Coltibuono
●Carpineto (£)
Fonterutoli
●Collelungo (£)
Montecalvi
Principe Corsini, Le Corte (£)
San Fabiano Calcinaia
●Villa Calcinaia

SUPERIOR 2005s
●Castello di Ama
●Castello di Meleto (£)
●Casanuova di Nittardi
●Fontodi

A GOOD VALUE 2004
●Il Poggiolino (£)

●denotes a particularly traditional, lively style
(£) denotes especially good value