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.

A. The medieval French word for a small village, similar to the Old English “burg” 

B. A nomadic German tribe which once settled in the area

C. The Latin word Burgarius which was the name for a Roman province that once extended over most of central France

D. The name for early French rural governing bodies which were made up of noble councilmen who were known as Burrs

Sur lie

Sur lie is French for “on the lees,” and lees for their part The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.

Continue reading