Tough Times Demand Chianti

Even in the best of times, who doesn’t like finding a bargain wine? And when rising unemployment, home foreclosures and dwindling investment portfolios rule the day’s news, discovering an inexpensive salve for our woes is especially gratifying.

For last week’s column, I tasted 39 wines from Chianti. I was impressed by the overall quality of the wines, but their value also was striking. The average price for those wines was $20.11. When you factor out the higher end riservas and the Chianti Classico wines, which contained several bottles over $30, many delicious Chiantis are within reach of most every budget.

Located in the heart of Tuscany, Chianti is comprised of number of sub-regions. The most recognized sub-region is Chianti Classico, which represents the historical boundaries of central Chianti. You know you have a Chianti Classico in your hands if you see the black rooster (gallo negro) icon. Chianti Classico was segregated from greater Chianti in 1996.

The larger Chianti region makes a lot of wine and it covers the spectrum from $300 stars, known as Super Tuscans, to simple-but-satisfying $8 bottles. For more than 20 years, the overall quality of Chianti has trended upward. Based on this tasting, I’d have to say that movement continues.

The value winner from the most recent tasting had to be the 2005 Placido. At 10 bucks, it was not the least expensive, but it easily compared to wines costing two and three times as much. So grab a bottle; pour a glass and make toast to better times ahead.

2005 Placido Chianti, Italy

• $10

• Two Thumbs Up

• Aromas of violets, black licorice and a strong note of dark chocolate. Definitely a quaffable wine, but it still offered intriguing flavors of tart red cherry, dry cherry and a touch of cranberry with a zesty black spice. Try not to gulp it.