The Super Tuscans: Elixir of the Gods

In addition to being absolutely breathtaking, with lush green hills, oceans of golden sunflowers (when in season), and pristine rows of elegant cypress trees, the Chianti produces one of mankind's most beloved things: WINE.

I am enamored of wine...not just its divine taste, but its origins, history, culture, and creation. One of my nephews learned to say, 'wine is the elixir of the gods' ate age two, thanks to hearing me constantly make this statement. Luckily, my sister is also a wine lover and didn't mind.

There are three levels of certification to become a sommelier in Tuscany. The first level, which is what I have, is designed for people who want to appreciate wine, but not work as a sommelier. We learned the basics of agriculture, climate, soil, notes, pairings, etc.

One thing the master sommelier of my class taught us was never to be a wine snob or to promote one region over the other since there are fine vintages produced all over the world. Palates are very personal and what may be wonderful to some may be unimpressive to others. I have had the pleasure of tasting many wines at "kilometer zero" throughout various continents and countries, and I have enjoyed them (and even wrote a brief article about Brazilian wines). This article is dedicated to the Kings of the Chianti, those wonderful Tuscan wines that have made this wine region famous.

What do wine experts have to say about them?

1. Brunello di Montalcino: "Based on the Brunello clone of Sangiovese, some of the most collectible and popular wines in all of Italy are produced in Montalcino, according to our Brunello di Montalcino Wine Guide. With one of the warmest and driest climates in Tuscany, grapes from Montalcino yield wines of intense color and body, with bright acidity and strong, ageworthy tannins. Our Brunello di Montalcino Wine Reviews illustrate how most of the wines from the region offer black fruit and cocoa flavors as well as violet and leather nuances. In 1980, Brunello di Montalcino was awarded the highly-esteemed DOCG designation and is now home to over 200 different producers. To learn more about this region and its prestigious wines check out our Brunello di Montalcino Wine Ratings." (for more information, visit: vintages:http://buyingguide.winemag.com/regions/italy/tuscany/brunello-montalcino)

2. Nobile di Montepulciano: "Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is usually maroon-red in color and takes on a subtle brick-orange tint over time. It is characterized by its dark cherry and rich plum aromas, ripe strawberry and cherry fruit flavors, and a gently tannic 'tea-leaf' finish. It is also known for its medium body, firm tannins, and for the acidity which makes it a particularly age-worthy wine (well-made examples improve gracefully over one or two decades). Some have described the wine as having the perfume of Chianti Classico's with the richness of Brunello di Montalcino's richness." (for more information, visit:http://www.wine-searcher.com/regions-vino+nobile+di+montepulciano)

3. Chianti Classico: "Chianti Classico is a DOCG wine and shows unique peculiarities and characteristics. To be named "Classico" is not enough to be produced within the Chianti region. In fact Classico wine has to respectspecific rules. Its blend is 80% for Sangiovese, red grape typical of this area, 20% for other grapes that can native grapes such as Canaiolo and Colorino, as well as other international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Its peculiarities are a limpid ruby red color, floral notes for its odor and with an harmonious, dryand sapid flavor with a good level of tannin." (for more information, please visit:http://www.chianti.com/wine/chianti-classico.html)

I hope this article inspires you to visit the Chianti (or at least try the wines produced in this region). As always, thank you for reading!

C. De Melo
Author & Artist
www.cdemelo.com