Best Wines Similar to Chianti

The spectacular wine from Italy to give your taste a treat like never before is the Chianti wine. Do you agree? These wines have an origin in the Tuscany region which emphasizes their excellent taste quality. This wine is the best pair for a lush dinner night and adds elegance to your bar collection.

However, what do you do when your favorite Chianti is not available in the market? Well, it would be wonderful to find a wine similar to Chinati, right? Woah! The good news is some wines taste just like Chianti. Want to know their brands and grape varieties? Well, then have a look at the section below.

Wines Similar to Chianti

The medium-bodied Chianti wines have more of Sangiovese grape variety in it. So, to get a similar taste of Chianti, you need to look for wines that have qualities very close to Sangiovese.

Shiraz and Merlot wines have qualities like Chianti, and their taste profile is very close. These two red wines are of grape varieties similar to Sangiovese. So, these are the best alternatives to Chianti wines. 

When you can’t find Chianti, you can enjoy your dinner night with Shiraz and Merlot wines and relish the taste of your favorite Chianti. However, not all Shiraz and Merlot wines have a similar taste as Chianti wines. There’s a need to experiment with it first.

Best wines that are similar to Chianti

1. Domaine de la Rochelierre Cuvee Privilege Fitou

(4.1 / 5) 

Alcohol percentage: 14.50

Price: $39.09

Taste this incredible red wine from France that will attract your senses. It is the best taste to experience if you wish to enjoy a wine similar to Chianti. The royal texture and the grape varieties will give a similar feeling to drinking Chianti.

Its tasting notes consist of vanilla, blackberry, spices, plum, licorice, and oak. The tannins are supple, and the scent of flavors is vibrant. Its grape varieties include Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, and Mourvedre. The best food pairing is turkey,  soft cheese, mushrooms, and poultry items. 

2. Banfi Rosso di Montalcino

(3.7 / 5) 

Alcohol percentage: 14.5

Price: $24.99

A red wine that will make you remember Chianti is this variety from Italy. It has an origin from Toscana and has close features of Chianti. This red wine only includes the Sangiovese grape variety. And Sangiovese being the prime grape for Chianti, you can fulfill your cravings to relish delicious Chianti.

The tasting notes include plum, violet, and cherry. It has a gentle taste with softness and rich texture. The best food pairing of this red wine is truffles, salmon, vegetable salad, and cheese sandwiches.

3. Finca La Emperatriz Reserva

(3.9 / 5) 

Alcohol percentage: 14

Price: $19.99

Your craving for Chianti can never go to waste when you have this wine from Spain. It has all the excellent characteristics of Chianti wine to satiate your taste. This luscious wine is a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, Viura and Garnacha. Moreover, it is the best red wine to include on a dinner date and special occasions.

The tasting notes include spices, red berries, and cherry. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins. You can enjoy it with old cheddar, roasted lamb, pasta, seafood, and chicken nuggets.

4. Claus Preisinger Blaufrankisch Kalkstein

(3.9 / 5) 

Alcohol percentage: 12

Price: $23.99

Want to party with Chianti wines but are they out of stock? No worries, this luscious red wine from Austria will give you the feeling of Chianti wines. It is vibrant, flavorful, and the best party companion. This wine consists of a Pais grape, and it adds a delicious flavor to the wine.

The tasting notes include minerals, berry fruit, and spicy. Its freshness and balanced acidity make it the best drink for brunch and dinner. Savor the drink with tuna, prawns, spicy chicken, Thai dishes, and Chinese cuisine.

5. Avignonesi Vin Santo di Montepulciano Occhio di Pernice

(4.4 / 5) 

Alcohol percentage: 12.5

Price: $266.99

One of the best red wines that are an alternative to Chianti is right here from the soil of Italy. This red wine consists of the Sangiovese grape that adds richness and gives it a taste of Chianti.

The tasting notes consist of apricots, hazelnut, tobacco, and plum. Every sip will engross with its commendable taste. Enjoy it with pork, tuna, corn, mushrooms, and grilled chicken.

The Taste of Chianti wines

To investigate the similar varieties, you should understand the taste profile of your favorite wine. Whether you are a beginner or wine expert, the knowledge about different wine categories will help you decide on an alternative to any wine.

There are two types of Chianti, one is Regular, and the other is Classico. Its Regular variety consists of Malvasia, Sangiovese and Trebbiano. These grape varieties add a refreshing taste to the red wine and make it light and crisp. Its flavors and aroma make it the best red wine to add an exuberance charm to the dining table. 

The Classico Chianti has a slightly different taste profile because of other grape varieties. It consists of Merlot, Sangiovese, Canailo Nero, Colorino and Cabernet Sauvignon. These grape varieties make the wine acidic and best for dinner parties. It can be your favorite combination to relish red wine with decadent cuisine. 

About Sangiovese grape variety

The prime grape blend of Chianti is Sangiovese. It is thin-skinned and displays a crimson red color that adds an enticing aura to Chianti wines. And do you know why Chianti wines smell so appealing? Well, it is because of the Sangiovese grape variety.

The clay soil and a pleasant environment make a top-notch Sangiovese grape. These grapes grow in a natural landscape of the Tuscany region, and hence its presence makes the wine appealing and elegant. 

Food pairing of Chianti wines

The luscious, rich wines of Chianti deserve the best food pairing. After all, the actual taste of wine is best with your favorite cuisine. Some of the best food pairings with Chianti wines are: 

• Chicken/ corn soup
• Pizza
• Pecorino cheese
• Red/white pasta
• Roasted lamb
• Tuscan sausages
• Turkey
• Pepper Chicken
• Noodles
• Chicken wraps
• Poultry items

Experiment with new wines and give a chance to the best wine similar to Chianti to chase your taste. You never know which one will match your taste and acquire a place in your list of favorite wines.

Check the best Chianti wines.