[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjGpcEA-FyE]
Although the Seminar happened in April, I think this information about Chianti is timeless, and always relevant…
You may be thinking to yourself “Silence of the Lambs? Really?” But I found it even more interesting that in the book, the quote doesn’t even mention Chianti… so why did they use it for the screenplay? Is it because Chianti is such a well recognized wine region of the world, the fact that it is easy and fun to say, the fact that Anthony Hopkins just sounds plain creepy saying it? All of these reasons are true, but let’s focus on the first one…
When you think of Chianti, whether you are a wine geek or not, you probably think almost instantly of Italy. And more specifically, Chianti really put Tuscany on the map in the wine world. Whether you enjoy an nice glass of Chianti with your Pizza or Pasta, or know the best vintages and producers, you need to always remember the principal grape of Chianti, Sangiovese.
If you are looking for the top of the line, no holds barred Chianti Classico you’ll find the most regulated, highest quality wines made from a minimum of 80% Sangiovese. Some will use 100%, and yet others still opt to add a small percentage of white grape varieties, which is totally legal, just not in Chianti Classico! The history of Chianti is a long one, and it has undergone many changes. As recently as the dark ages of the 1950s-1970s, the formation of the “Black Rooster” Consorzio that is so famously displayed on the neck of each bottle has never been more important in ensuring quality and standards of wine.
If you would like to learn more about Chianti, or would like some great recommendations, leave a comment or question… I am now officially Certified from the Tuscan Wine Masters Academy so I know a thing or two… but what really makes me an expert is all the great Chianti I’ve tried over they years! To this day, 2 of my favorites are Fontodi and Felsina… both not very cheap anymore, but still relatively good buys…Cheers!
Oh, and if you didn’t read the Silence of the Lambs book and you want to know what wine they actually wrote, stay tuned for the post on Day 3 of the Tuscany Seminar…
