8 Chiantis — Some Fruity, Some Savory (Slideshow)
2011 Cecchi Chianti
2011 Cecchi Chianti ($10).
Very perfumey, with flavors of light cherry, old oak barrels, and some dry-stem, savory notes. It's a nice wine for the price, but it is a chianti for people who prefer savory, dry-herbed wines to fresh fruity ones.
2011 Placido Chianti
2011 Placido Chianti ($7).
Enjoyable and straightforward with bright cherry flavors, some sheltering bitters, and good acidity.
2011 Banfi Chianti superiore
2011 Banfi Chianti superiore ($10).
Lightish wine with dark fruit flavors, a few savory edges, and dusty tannins. A nice everyday wine.
2008 Cecchi Chianti Classico
2008 Cecchi "Riserva di Famiglia" Chianti Classico ($28).
Lots of old wood flavors and very, very savory. Light on fruit, and some nice bitters.
2010 Banfi Chianti Classico
2010 Banfi Chianti Classico ($13).
Quite bright cherry flavors, creamy with light tannins and some nutty tastes in the finish. A bargain.
2009 Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva
2009 Ruffino "Riserva Ducale" Chianti Classico Riserva ($21).
Ripe fruits — a big wine with lots of tannins and some savory tastes. A substantial wine, and quite a nice one. My Pick of the Litter.
2008 Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva
2008 Ruffino "Riserva Ducale Oro" Chianti Classico Riserva ($33).
An inviting and fruity wine with full, warm, mellow-but-ripe cherry flavors and very light tannins with wood notes. A good sipping wine.
2010 Villa Cerna Chianto Classico Riserva
2010 Villa Cerna Chianto Classico Riserva ($25).
Dark cherry and elderberry tastes with lots of dried herbs, wood notes, and dusty tannins. Long on the palate. A murky wine.