Chianti Classico, Valpolicella Classico, Soave Classico&hellip; Why do all these Italian wine regions have the Classico addendum and what does it mean? What is the difference for wines labeled as Classico?

Classico is a wine term in Italy seen on a few wine labels and it indicates that the wine&rsquo;s from the historic center of the region, the heart. Using Chianti and Chianti Classico and their Sangiovese-based red wines as an example, Chianti is a rather large wine district within the Tuscany region. Chianti Classico is located withing Chianti as the central part and the one that originally existed. Back then this smaller region was actually called Chianti, but as the region grew the quality of the wine plummeted and the well-known characteristics of these red wines were watered down. The reputation took a hit and sales diminished. Eventually this led to the creation of Chianti Classico, which would be drawn from the original Chianti borders to recover the typicity of these wines. Today the quality of both Chianti and Chianti Classico have risen a lot due to modern techniques and knowledge about pruning, planting and temperature control in the winery.

This development has not been historically exclusive to Chianti, leading to the creation of more than one Classico district. In general, the Classico wines tend to be slightly better as these regions are smaller and have stricter rules regarding plantings and winemaking. If not better, at least more traditional and typical of the region.

The most well-known Classico regions, apart from Chianti, would be Valpolicella Classico making red wine from Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara, also known as the grapes for Amarone. Valpolicella Classico is located within Valpolicella in the region Veneto, also home to two lesser known Classico regions: Bardolino Classico and Soave Classico. Bardolino Classico is located to the west of Valpolicella and produced from the same grapes, while Soave Classico, in contrast to the rest, makes white wine from the local Garganega. All great wines and certainly part of the Italian wine history.

Chianti Classico, Valpolicella Classico, Soave Classico… Why do all these Italian wine regions have the Classico addendum and what does it mean? What is the difference for wines labeled as Classico?

Classico is a wine term in Italy seen on a few wine labels and it indicates that the wine’s from the historic center of the region, the heart. Using Chianti and Chianti Classico and their Sangiovese-based red wines as an example, Chianti is a rather large wine district within the Tuscany region. Chianti Classico is located withing Chianti as the central part and the one that originally existed. Back then this smaller region was actually called Chianti, but as the region grew the quality of the wine plummeted and the well-known characteristics of these red wines were watered down. The reputation took a hit and sales diminished. Eventually this led to the creation of Chianti Classico, which would be drawn from the original Chianti borders to recover the typicity of these wines. Today the quality of both Chianti and Chianti Classico have risen a lot due to modern techniques and knowledge about pruning, planting and temperature control in the winery.

Decoding the wine label: Classico

Wines from grapes grown in higher altitude areas with cooler climate has become quite the trend recently. This specific growing environment gives intense flavor but elegance and freshness to the final wines. To highlight and champion these conditions more and more winemakers are starting to use alto as a marketing and labelling term to show their grapes were grown in high altitude vineyards.

Decoding the wine label: Alto

Brut is a word often seen on labels for different kinds of sparkling wine. As you may have discovered when drinking these wines, it indicates that the wine is dry, meaning there is no perceived sweetness in the wine. But how about Extra Brut or Dry, what do they mean and are they the same as Brut?

Decoding the wine label: Brut

Semi-sweet Riesling, a type of wine falling out of style. It’s a shame, since these wines are perfect to pair with flavorful cuisines like Asian or Mexican, or simply drink as they come under the summer sun. The higher level of sugar left in the wine also means that the alcoholic fermentation was stopped before finishing, providing a wine with lower alcohol level and therefor easier grabbing a second glass of.

Decoding the wine label: Spätlese

Have you ever heard the word Xinomavro? Most have not. It is however a word on many sommeliers’ lips today, as it happens to be considered the grape variety with the highest quality in Greece, and one that is trending at the moment. The fact that Greece have been making wine for a long time comes as no surprise, but they have never exported an amount to make sure wine lovers around the globe tried it. With the growing wine tourism many have discovered these wines and are serving them in wine bars and restaurants in many countries today.

Decoding the wine label: Xinomavro

In the rarefied world of fine wine, where bottles can command prices equivalent to luxury cars, authenticity is everything. Laurent Ponsot's gripping memoir "FBI: Fake Bottle Investigation" reads more like a high-stakes thriller than a traditional wine book, chronicling his relentless pursuit of one of the wine world's most infamous counterfeiters, Rudy Kurniawan.

From Burgundy's Vineyards to the FBI's Most Wanted: A Winemaker's Quest for Justice

Chablis – one of the more popular styles of wine today and a region known by many. Most are familiar with the word Chablis and the light, fresh white wine with a touch of minerality it brings. Even though it’s a renowned wine, few knows what it really is.

Decoding the wine label: Chablis

Many grape varieties around the world of wine have names local to the region or country they’re grown in, even though they’re exactly the same. The most famous example would be Syrah in France where the same grape is named Shiraz in Australia. Another variety with two names is Pinot Grigio, or Pinot Gris.

Decoding the wine label: Pinot Grigio

Have you ever seen the term sur lie on a wine label? It’s not a grape and not a wine region, but a winemaking method used to give certain styles of white wine a rounder texture and a more complex flavor profile.

Decoding the wine label: Sur lie

Michaela Quinlan

Chillingsworth

Chillingsworth:

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where, in each episode,&nbsp;we will review a Wine List from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier.

Hello Michaela,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to be back together for another episode.

&nbsp;

MQ: Hi Robert!

RT: Before we jump in, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules. We created CorkRules to demystify wine lists because we know from experience, that sometimes when we get that list handed to us, well&hellip; it can be intimidating, and even a little daunting.

Our aim is to help prepare you to navigate that list, find those hidden gems, or value wines or that special bottle that will take your dining experience over the top.

RT:&nbsp;So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

RT: Today we are talking about Chillingsworth. Located on Cape Cod in Brewster, Chillingsworth offers award-winning multi-course, along with a la carte contemporary menus in their fine dining room.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what you think of their wine list.

MQ: I have attended exquisite special events at Chillingsworth, and especially love their Bistro Bar. The Bistro Bar offers a more casual atmosphere along with outdoor garden seating, along with their entire wine list. &nbsp;

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: Of course, their champagne and sparkling list is one to review, however, I have to begin with the 2019 Ladoucette Pouilly Fume from the Loire Valley. The Pouilly Fume appellation produces fantastic Sauvignon Blanc that would pair beautifully with seafood and shellfish. It exudes aromas and flavors of grapefruit, lemon zest, bright acidity, minerality, and an herbal finish. A great way to kick off your dining experience.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: Another favorite white wine that often catches my eye right away is Gew&uuml;rztraminer. The 2019 Hugel Gew&uuml;rztraminer from Alsace is always a winner. I truly enjoy the tropical fruit, pineapple, peach, great minerality, with a hint of honey on the finish from this medium-bodied wine. It would make an excellent companion to rich fish such as salmon and swordfish, along with spicy dishes.

RT: So, Michaela, their list seems to have lots of range but was there anything that you would say is a &ldquo;must-try&rdquo;?

MQ: With the herbs and perfectly sauced proteins on the menu, I would consider the 2011 Morgan &ldquo;Double L&rdquo; Syrah from Santa Lucia Highlands. &nbsp;This Central Coast Syrah comes from the only certified organic vineyard in Santa Lucia Highlands and showcases ripe blackberries, white pepper, black olives, herbs, with smooth tannins on the finish.

RT: These are some great calls.

So, you know I&rsquo;m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?

MQ: Should you be considering any of the beautiful, richer dishes on the menu, then a bottle of the 2012 Chateau D&rsquo;Issan, Blason D&rsquo;Issan Margaux could be the winner. This Left Bank Bordeaux from one of the oldest wineries in Bordeaux, features a blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot that exude aromas and flavors of cassis, smoke, leather, ripe blackberries, minerality, with a hint of coffee on the finish.

RT: Ooh, Terrific.

Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind.&nbsp; any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

MQ: A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to attend Oregon Pinot Camp where I stayed on the Chehalem Winery property in the Willamette Valley. I was delighted to see two, incredible wines from Chehalem that fit our quality and value designation. The first selection would be the 2018 &ldquo;Inox Unoaked&rdquo; Chardonnay. This Chardonnay showcases aromas and flavors of white flowers, honeysuckle, and green apple with a light, mineral finish. An excellent value wine to pair with lighter fare.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: Another consideration would be the 2017 Chahalem Chemistry Pinot Noir. This Pinot Noir is part of a project with the Stoller Family Estate winery to showcase the exceptional quality and value of Oregon pinot noir. This wine is sure to please, featuring aromas and flavors of raspberries, cranberries, plumb, red cherries, spice, and a hint of mint on the finish. Both are certainly wines to consider at an excellent price point.&nbsp;

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: I could not leave this list without mentioning the 2010 Chateau Talbot St Julien, Grand Cru from Bordeaux. &nbsp;2010 was a legendary vintage in Bordeaux with the warm, dry summer days, and cool evenings. This Left Bank Bordeaux is 100% cabernet sauvignon and showcases the exceptional quality wines that are produced in St Julien which are well balanced and age exceptionally well. The aromas and flavors of cassis, minerality, ripe blackberries, with notes of licorice on the finish. A special vintage for any special event.

RT: Michaela, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Chillingsworth&rsquo;s wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try them myself. &nbsp;

To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.

If you would like us to review one of your favorite restaurants, please send us email to: <a href="mailto:Info@CorkRules.com">Info@CorkRules.com</a> or visit our web website where we have a request form available and we will do our best to get it in the queue as quickly as possible.

We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime, please check out our website for other episodes of your favorite restaurant wine lists.&nbsp;

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

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