Ah, Chianti. In the "old days", Chianti was the basket-bottle wine, served on a red checked tablecloth, holding a romantic candle. In a modern reworking, Chianti now usually comes in a standard glass bottle, looking for a more elegant image.

If you're a traditionalist, however, some brands still use the basket.

Chianti comes from the Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy. Only wines from this region can properly be called Chianti, although some other areas are using the name on their labels.

Chianti was first identified as a type in the 13th century. Its primary red grapes are Sangiovese and Canaiolo, while the main whites are are Trebbiano and Malvasia. There are now seven Chianti zones, defined by the Dalmasso Commission in 1932:

• Chianti Classico
• Chianti Montalbano
• Chianti Colli Fiorentini (Florentine hills)
• Chianti Rufini
• Colli Senesi (Siena hills)
• Colline Pisane (Pisan hills)
• Colli Aretini (Arezzo hills)

Chianti is a red wine, strong and bold. Typical flavours in a Chianti include cherry, plum, strawberry, spice, almonds, tobacco, vanilla and coffee. Chianti goes well with well-seasoned foods. Chianti is often called a "fruity" wine, meaning it appeals to new wine drinkers.

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