Chianti suggestions?

So I am not a Chianti vituoso. Hard to face, but the truth nonetheless. We are having a party tonight for 18 people at a local BYO Italian and I need a few suggestions from you all on reasonably priced ($12-$20) Chianti or other Italian red. It will need to be fairly "accessible" as a lot of these folks are not wine drinkers per se. Italian is definitely not my forte.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Cheers to all.

Cecchi Chianti Classico is reliable, reasonable, available, and delicious.

Cheers, Carl

Triacca, Allegrini are two that I always look out for. Other Chianti, maybe the `04 San Guisto a Rentannano or look for the Brolio but plenty of different labels there. Other reds, from Sicily .....Scurati!!

At the top end of your price range, you might be able to find Frescobaldi's "Nipozzano" Chianti Rufina bottling. Year-in, year-out it's delicious wine and excellent value. In the $10-$12 range, the Sangiovese I've been drinking most frequently of late is the Ricasoli / Brolio "Formulae," not labeled Chianti for whatever reason but better than most (IMO) at that price.

If you can go a little above 20, I might suggest the Riecine Chinati Classico. (For a big splurge near the top of the Chianti range, their Riserva is even more outstanding).

You can't wrong, in that price range, with Monte Antico. The 2003 is our House Chianti right now. $10.00 each.

Though, not technically, a "Chianti" since its grapes are sourced from all over. It is 100% Sangiovese and pretty tasty. And seems to maintain high quality year in and year out.

Richard

I'd go with Castello di Gabbiano Chianti for your group. It seems to match your requirements and is widely available. Hard to miss, too, with a red and white checkered knight on the label.

The Monte Antico and Antinori's Santa Christina are Tuscan IGTs which tend to offer good value for $6-9.

There's an old saying to stick with the "3 Fs" in Chianti. I think they meant Felsina, Fonterutoli, and Fontodi, though maybe the last should be Frescobaldi. In any case, the Felsina Chianti Classico (aka the Berandga) is usually $15-20, and generally a fine value.

Thanks to everyone for your help! I will post tomorrow with my purchases and reviews. This is such a great forum!



Cheers all.

Looks like all these great Chianti suggestions might fit into a possible (?) theme for next months Wine Focus!!!! See my "whats up for April" thread over there! Robin seems quite keen on the idea, but do the Classico!

Dale wrote:

In any case, the Felsina Chianti Classico (aka the Berandga) is usually $15-20, and generally a fine value.

Dale,

I love Felsina. I wish I had your vendor. You couldn't touch that wine for less than $27.00-34.00 down here.

Richard

I have enjoyed the Dievole Novecento CCR.