Fattoira le Sorgenti Respiro Chianti, 2005, Tuscany, Italy  Add/Read Comments

I fondly recall, during my first exploratory steps into wine, becoming very excited in sorting out the various sub-zones of Chianti and believing I could detect the subtle nuances in flavour of a Chianti Colli Senesi over a Chianti Classico or Chianti Rufina. Even pin-pointing the names on a map added a fizzle of excitement when drinking said bottles. Whichever guide book I referenced at the time listed those mysterious terrior-based differences with reverence.

Today I wouldn't have a clue on how to spot a Senesi over a Arentini and, all thse years ago, I'm sure it was all suggestion and imagination rather than a fully-developed palate.

There are seven sub-zones covering Chianti. The heart of the region is Chianti Classico, Chianti Rufina lies to the north-east while Chianti Montalbano and four hillside areas are named after near-by cities Colli Fiorentini (Florence), Colli Senesi (Siena), Colli Pisane (Pisa) and Colli Arentini (Arezzo).

This example hails from Colli Fiorentini, a classic blend of Sangiovese with just a splash of the white Trebbiano (2%). The local rules have removed the 'traditional' requirement for a white grape component and allow up to 15% of foreign varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon.


Review0.3
Wine Tasting Note: Le Sorgenti Respiro Chianti , 2005, Chianti Colli Fiorentini, Tuscany, Italy
Stockist: Cadman Fine Wines [More on UKWOL] Price: £9.99 [More on Adegga / Snooth]
Upfront tiz mellow and fruity, wood envelopes the rounded pleasantness, then a savoury edge develops with tannins raising and acidity cleansing. A long mellow finish, with an edge of chocolate covered cherries, porcini and something 'autumnal'. Alcohol 13.5%.

Chianti should really be enjoyed with food - the medium-bodied quite acidic wines were created for food. Tomato based dishes are often quoted as ideal matches; my choice would be a rich, slow cooked, Bolognese based pasta dish, as pictured.

Andrew BarrowScribblings Rating - 90/100 [3.75 out of 5]