Known as one of the best Italian wines, Chiantis are a palate-pleasing, easy-drinking addition to your wine collection. But this familiar option is more than just a simple sip. A bottle of Chianti can elevate a weeknight dinner, or even act as a celebratory drink during the holidays or a party. But what's the difference between a Sangiovese, Chianti and Chianti Classico? We've got the answers, plus a rundown of the best Chianti wines to drink right now. What Is Chianti Wine? Chianti is a region in central Italy within Tuscany that produces wines mostly from the black grape variety Sangiovese. Though Sangiovese is usually the dominant grape variety in Chianti wines, they are often blended with small amounts of other black (or red wine) grapes. Chianti wines are labeled based on where they are grown within the region. Chianti Denominazione di Origine Controllata E Garantita (DOCG) are wines that typically don’t age well and have simple, straightforward flavors. They grow in a broad geographic range in the foothills of the Apennine Mountains. Chianti Classico DOCG are wines made with grapes grown in historic, designated areas within the Chianti region. This fruit grows at a higher altitude than those in DOCG wines, creating a more complex red fruit flavor and herb-forward aroma. Chianti Classico wine may mature and develop additional flavors in the barrel and the bottle. These bottles are typically labeled with an emblem of a black rooster and contain at least 80% Sangiovese grapes. Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG wines have a more complex flavor due to their strict aging requirements of at least two years, at least three months of which must be in bottles. Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. Grapes must be grown by the winery itself, and the wine must be aged for a minimum of 2.5 years, at least three months of which must be in bottles. What Does Chianti Taste Like? The flavor of Chianti wines varies based on the grape varieties, vineyard location and time spent aging. They often bring high acidity and a refreshing flavor profile to each glass. It’s a dry, red wine with flavors that range from red fruits and dried herbs, to violet and spice. The longer the wine ages, the final product becomes more complex as more notes of leather and menthol poke through. Of course, there's still plenty more to learn about Chianti. For an even more in-depth rundown, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Chianti and Chianti Classico. From the Shop Find Your Wine a Home Our selection of red wine glasses is the best way to enjoy the wine’s subtle aromas and bright flavors. Shop All Wine Glasses The 10 Best Chianti Wines to Buy Ready to start sipping? We tapped Wine Enthusiast's Tasting Department for their picks, from the most basic to the top Chianti Classicos on the market right now. Badia a Coltibuono 2017 Cultus Riserva (Chianti Classico) Castello di Ama 2018 San Lorenzo Gran Selezione (Chianti Classico) Castellare di Castellina 2019 Riserva (Chianti Classico) Cecchi 2020 (Chianti) I Veroni 2016 Occhio di Pernice (Vin Santo del Chianti Rufina) Istine 2019 Vigna Casanova dell'Aia (Chianti Classico) Lamole di Lamole 2019 Maggiolo (Chianti Classico) Monteraponi 2019 (Chianti Classico) San Felice 2019 Chianti Classico Valiano 2019 Poggio Teo (Chianti Classico) Why You Should Trust Us All products featured here are independently selected by our team, which is comprised of experienced writers and wine tasters and overseen by editorial professionals at Wine Enthusiast headquarters. All ratings and reviews are performed blind in a controlled setting and reflect the parameters of our 100-point scale. Wine Enthusiast does not accept payment to conduct any product review, though we may earn a commission on purchases made through links on this site. Prices were accurate at the time of publication. FAQS Is Chianti Sweet or Dry? Chianti wine is produced as a dry variety of wine, but every bottle varies slightly in flavor and aroma. What Grape Varieties Make Chianti? Chianti wine is typically made from at least 80% Sangiovese grapes, one of central Tuscany's most important grape varieties. They are sometimes blended with small amounts of other red wine grapes. What Are the Four Levels of Chianti? Basic Chianti wines are bottled young and have simple, straightforward flavors. Chianti Classico wines come from defined districts within the Chianti region and are aged for at least 12 months before release. Wines labeled as Chianti Classico Riserva are aged for at least 24 months and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione wines are aged for at least 30 months.