January austerity has set in. We are eating lots of pasta dishes. Are Chianti and Chianti Classico more or less the same or is Chianti Classico a slightly better version?

January 16, 2026

Dear Karen,

January austerity has set in. We are eating lots of pasta dishes. Are Chianti and Chianti Classico more or less the same or is Chianti Classico a slightly better version?The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.

Dear Harvey,

Neither is true. Chianti and Chianti Classico come from two different wine regions within Tuscany, Italy, and each make different wines. While it’s true that both Chianti and Chianti Classico are made primarily from the same great Italian red grape Sangiovese, each regions’ soils (and laws concerning yields and aging) are different, leading to different characters in the wines. In Chianti Classico, the “Classico” refers to the original small area where Chianti was historically made. Chianti (no Classico) is a bigger area, but still a place where some fine wines are made. In both cases, I’d go for the Riserva versions which have more depth and flavor.

What is su filindeu?The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.

A. An Icelandic delicacy made from whale meat

B. A handmade Italian pasta served in mutton broth

C. A French-style soufflé filled with quail eggs and crème fraiche

D. A Nordic side dish with potatoes and commonly served with Swedish meatballs

The Canelé’s Winemaking Roots

Instantly recognizable by its dark, caramelized crust and soft, custardy center, the canelé is Bordeaux’s iconic pastry. The pastry was born in the 18th century as a “byproduct” of winemaking. The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.