Gabbiano Chianti

Gabbiano Chianti

Sangiovese Blend

Vintage: 2009

Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Every time I drink Chianti I kind of feel like Hannibal Lecter.  Especially since I'm usually eating it with a nice side of fava beans.  

But hey, that's just me.

This is Castello di Gabbiano's entry-level Chianti at only around $6-7 a bottle.  They make a few others, with the price going up several dollars each step, which actually is pretty reasonable all things considered.  The Gabbiano Chianti is 90% Sangiovese and 10% other red grapes.  I won't go into the rules behind what can be considered Chianti, but I already wrote about it last year sometime if you want to search for it.  It's nothing overly exciting yet I feel more knowledge is always a good thing.

So, let's get to it.  The 2009 Gabbiano Chianti pours a medium-dark ruby red.  I get quite a bit of cherry aromas with some damp earthiness hiding in there.  Tasting brings a light-bodied, thin bit of smooth red cherries, a bit of nondescript spice, followed by more of that damp musty earthiness and a smooth, short finish.

This is pretty straightforward as far as Chiantis go.  It's cherry-centric and light.  The slight earthiness does add a bit of depth but that's about the extent of flavors here.  All in all, drinkable and decent for the price, and it can certainly be a good weeknight pairing for pizza or something similar.

Drink This: if you want a cheap way to feel like Hannibal Lecter.  But seriously, this wine isn't bad for the price, although it is a bit too simple and straightforward compared to a few similarly priced Chiantis.

Don't Drink This: if you can spare a few more bucks and buy their Gabbiano Chianti Classico Riserva which I find quite a bit better.

Cheers!