NATIONAL CHIANTI DAY | FIRST FRIDAY IN SEPTEMBER
The first Friday in September each year ushers in a celebration worthy of a toast. National Chianti Day recognizes the most-recognized red wines from the Tuscany region of Italy.
#NationalChiantiDay
Always leading with the Sangiovese grape, the ruby red wine is famous worldwide. The iconic Gallo Nero log and a black rooster inside a red circle represent Chianti Classico. While Chianti is most associated with Tuscany, the smaller Chianti Classico region, located between Florence in the north and Siena in the south, is the historical heartland and most-respected area for red wines.
As essential to Italian cuisine as olive oil, Chianti Classico is a dry red wine that is medium to full-bodied. It shows red cherry and herbaceous notes, making it flexible with many cuisines and pairing particularly well with robust dishes like barbeque and grilled meats. And because Chianti Classico is the authentic taste of Tuscany and the ultimate expression of the region, the wines have a natural affinity to Italian dishes like pasta, carbonara, or pizza.
For a more savory and earthy expression, look for the word Riserva. Chianti Classico Riserva demands that the wine be aged an additional two years and will develop subtle balsamic and espresso notes during that time. These hedonistic wines work brilliantly with stews and braised dishes.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CHIANTI DAY
Pick up a bottle of Chianti Classico to serve with dinner. To elevate your meal, consider an aged bottle of Chianti Classico Riserva. While exploring the wine aisle, be sure to plan your meal. May we suggest a charcuterie board with a selection of Italian meats and cheeses? Chianti Classico will also go well with a thick-cut porterhouse steak. But don’t stop there. The tangy acidity of Chianti Classico cuts through the richness on your plate, so explore all the ways this Italian wine complements a meal.
While you enjoy your wine, be sure to share your favorite pairings by using #NationalChiantiDay on social media.
NATIONAL CHIANTI DAY HISTORY
Santa Margherita USA founded National Chianti Day to honor our Chianti Classico Riserva, a wine that embodies the traditions of Tuscany and the Chianti Classico region. Our Santa Margherita Chianti Classico Riserva is from a single vineyard called Salcentino located just outside of the town of Panzano. Dry, rich, and rewarding, the wine has complex aromas of red cherries and plums with a palate that unfolds to berry fruits and licorice, framed by light toasty notes of oak and finishes with a firm structure.
The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Chianti Day to be observed on the first Friday in September, annually.
About Santa Margherita USA
Santa Margherita USA is a fine wine import company representing premium and ultra-premium wine estates from Italy. Since our founding in 1935, Count Gaetano Marzotto dedicated his life to establishing Santa Margherita and its estates as one of the leading ambassadors of Italian wine excellence worldwide. With the establishment of Santa Margherita USA in 2016, we proudly carry on his vision in the United States.
DATES:
2 September 2022
1 September 2023
6 September 2024
5 September 2025
4 September 2026
3 September 2027
1 September 2028
7 September 2029
4 September 2030
Chianti FAQ
Q. What does it mean to let a wine breathe?
A. Letting wine breathe exposes the wine to the air after opening the bottle and before enjoying it. Exposure to the air enhances the wine’s qualities. The type of wine will determine how long you should let it breathe, too. If you’re in a hurry, a decanter speeds up the process by aerating the wine. Decanting is probably more beneficial than just opening the bottle and letting it sit.
Q. Do I need to let Chianti breathe?
A. Yes, Chianti is a wine that benefits from aeration.
Q. Does chianti need to be served chilled?
A. Yes, but only slightly. Serve Chianti at slightly below room temperature – between 60-65°F.