We have all heard that this has been a year like no other, but let’s look at a wine like no other – Chianti. As much as grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are now grown in every corner of the world, Sangiovese has largely stayed home in Italy, particularly in Chianti. Sangiovese is grown in other countries, but the unique nature of the climate and soils of the Chianti region have made this expression of the grape impossible to replicate. Join us in our salute by grabbing a bottle of Leonardo da Vinci Chianti, either in the Fiasco bottle or the 5L bottle that is here for the holidays. We’ll be drinking the 5L bottle (we really like Chianti).
Tasting Notes: Leonardo Chianti is classically styled using Sangiovese and a splash of other local reds to create a lightly coloured, juicy wine. A pungent nose of red berries, clove and violet is followed by flavours of tart cherry, strawberry, earth and spice.
Enjoy With: Pastas, roast chicken or turkey (especially with cranberry sauce), charcuterie and roasted or grilled red meats. It’s infinitely pairable.
Style: A dry, medium-bodied red wine showing a lively blend of fruit and spice.
Terroir/Region: The 750 ml bottling of Leonardo Chianti uses the classic ‘Fiasco’ bottle, a traditional style for the region with a rounded bottom, making it much easier for glass blowers to make. The rounded bottom of the bottle is made table-ready by adding a basket of straw to stabilize it, keeping the wine in the bottle instead of on your table, your lap, or the floor.
Producer: The Leonardo Da Vinci winery was created by 30 small producers in the early 1960s and since that time, it has expanded throughout the region while continuing to focus on the Sangiovese grape. The growers contributing to Leonardo da Vinci (now over 200) share their knowledge openly and assist one another to achieve best practices and unlock the potential of each of their vineyards.
Availability: Leonardo Chianti Fiasco is available in the Italy section of your local LCBO, but if you really want to stock up, a 5L bottle is available until the holidays are over!
Check LCBO store inventory
Price: $15.95
LCBO#: 372391
Size: 750mL
Alcohol Content: 13.0% alc./vol.
Price: $114.95
LCBO#: 661116
Size: 5000mL
Alcohol Content: 13.0% alc./vol.
