September 4 - National Chianti Day

Happy National Chianti Day! The first Friday in September each year ushers in a celebration worthy of a toast. Today recognizes the most-recognized red wines from the Tuscany region of Italy. 

Always leading with the Sangiovese grape, the ruby red wine is famous throughout the world, and Chianti Classico is represented by the iconic Gallo Nero logo, which is a black rooster inside a red circle.  

While Chianti is most associated with Tuscany, the smaller Chianti Classico region, located between Florence in the north and Siena in the south, is the historical heartland and most-respected area for red wines. 

As essential to Italian cuisine as olive oil, Chianti Classico is a dry red wine that is medium to full-bodied. It shows red cherry and herbaceous notes, making it flexible with many cuisines and pairing particularly well with robust dishes like barbecue and grilled meats.  

And because Chianti Classico is the authentic taste of Tuscany and the ultimate expression of the region, the wines have a natural affinity to Italian dishes like pasta carbonara or pizza. 

For a more savory and earthy expression, look for the word Riserva. 

Chianti Classico Riserva demands that the wine is aged an additional two years and will develop subtle notes of balsamic and espresso notes during that time. These hedonistic wines work brilliantly with stews and braised dishes. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Pick up a bottle of Chianti Classico to serve with dinner. To really elevate your meal, consider an aged bottle of Chianti Classico Riserva.  

While you’re exploring the wine aisle, be sure to plan your meal. May we suggest a charcuterie board with a selection of Italian meats and cheeses? Chianti Classico will also go well with a thick-cut porterhouse steak.  

But don’t stop there. The tangy acidity of Chianti Classico cuts through the richness on your plate, so explore all the ways this Italian wine complements a meal. 

While you enjoy your wine, be sure to share your favorite pairings by using #NationalChiantiDay on social media. 

HISTORY 

Santa Margherita USA founded National Chianti Day to honor their Chianti Classico Riserva, a wine that embodies the traditions of Tuscany and the Chianti Classico region. 

Their Santa Margherita Chianti Classico Riserva is from a single vineyard called Salcentino located just outside of the town of Panzano.  

Dry, rich, and rewarding, the wine has complex aromas of red cherries and plums with a palate that unfolds to berry fruits and licorice, framed by light toasty notes of oak and finishes with a firm structure. 

https://santamargheritausa.com 

The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Chianti Day to be observed annually on the first Friday in September. 

#NationalChiantiDay 

@santamargheritaus 

@nichecinema 

DATES 

September 03, 2021 
September 02, 2022 
September 01, 2023 
September 06, 2024 
September 05, 2025 
September 04, 2026 
September 03, 2027 
September 01, 2028 
September 07, 2029 
September 04, 2030