Malvosie (mahl -vwa-ZEE)

A name for vermentino on the French island of Corsica.

Which grape variety is legally allowed to be blended with sangiovese to make a Chianti?

A. Malvasia

B. Merlot

C. Canaiolo

D. All of the above

While Chianti mostly consists of sangiovese, Tuscany’s most-planted grape variety, both red and white grapes are used in blending. A basic modern formula for Chianti can be anywhere from 70% to 100% sangiovese; no more than 10% canaiolo; and no more than 15% “other authorized reds” like cabernet sauvignon and merlot. The white grapes malvasia and trebbiano can still be used (although they rarely are) for up to 10% of the blend.

Rotundone

You know that wonderful, peppery character shiraz often possesses? It has a source—rotundone (row-TUND-one). The compound was isolated in the mid-2000s by Australian chemists who also discovered that the same molecule gives peppercorns their aroma.… Continue reading

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