Italian Chianti From Monte Bernardi and Villa Pomona
Chianti is mostly Sangiovese (at least 80%, and sometimes up to 100%). That's the first thing to know, which surprised some of the people we asked. The name also, of course, refers to the officially recognized area of Italy, a very old wine-growing region. We've tried quite a few of these wines over the year, and today have three wines from two different producers. These wines are generally fairly inexpensive, and pair well with regional cuisine, and are medium-bodied and drinkable at any age.
We'll start with Monte Bernadi and their 2008 Reserve Chianti. This was the best of the three in this pairing, as it offered the most complexity and was well-balanced. Classic Tuscan character and color we liked that all of their wines are organic and biodynamic. Earthy, cherry, but also a little sour, it held up against some strong salamis and cheeses. Tasters mentioned that it caught the nose and carried through. We first became familiar with the winery at the Slow Food tasting held earlier this year, and Monte Bernardi received honors for embodying the Slow Food philosophy, which is clear in the wines. $23.
We weren't quite so enamored with the 2009 Retromarcia Chianti Classico. It was tart, bright, and though it came on strong, it lacked the complexity we wanted, or a strong single character. Still easily drinkable, it's a good deal for a handsome bottle, at $19 or so. Available at the Chambers Street Wine shop in Manhattan, it might be hard to find elsewhere, but is certainly worth trying.
The Bandini villa Pomona Chianti Classico 2010 was more divisive. No one loved it, with most folks considering it "just fine", "unexceptional", and simply "nice". The label definitely draws you in, and the initial aroma and appearance are positive. It also offered a nice first fruity note, but quickly settled- simple and somewhat flat, it's also the least expensive of the bunch, running around $13 if you can find it. No one will be disappointed by this one- but it's unlikely anyone will be excited either.
About the Author
Greg Greg dreamed up the idea for the Truly Network while living in Hawaii, which began with a single site called TrulyObscure. In 2010, when advertisers and readers were requesting coverage beyond the scope of that site, TrulyNet was launched, reaching a broader audience over a variety of niche sites. Formerly the head technology correspondent for the Des Moines Register at age 16, he has since lived and worked in five states and two countries, helping a list of organizations and companies that includes the United States Census Bureau, TripAdvisor, Events Photo Group, Berlitz, and Computer Geeks. He also served as the Content Strategy Manager for HearPlanet, a multi-platform app that has reached over a million users and has been featured in the New York Times, Hemispheres Magazine, National Geographic Adventure, Fox Business News, PC Magazine, and even Apple’s own iPhone ads. Greg has written as a restaurant critic and feature journalist for a number of national and international publications, including City Weekend Magazine, Red Egg Magazine, the Newton Daily News, Capital Change Magazine, and an arm of China Daily, Beijing Weekend. In addition, he has served as a consulting editor for the Foreign Language Press of Beijing, as well as a writer and editor for the George Washington University Hatchet, the school newspaper of his alma mater. Originally from Iowa, Greg is currently living in the West Village of Manhattan.
Other Articles You May Enjoy
Choice Streets: Flying High On NYC Food Trucks →
Pescatore: Don’t Pass By! →
Flatiron Room: A World Of Whiskey →
