Wine for pizza night: Melini 2006 Chianti Classico Isassi

A perfect wine for anything tomato-based since the acidity and fruit meld nicely together. Chianti is made predominantly from the sangiovese grape (at least 80 percent) and nowhere on earth does it produce better wines than in Italy’s Tuscany.

The Isassi moniker indicates the grapes originated from a single vineyard and the Classico part of this equation means the fruit comes from an area deemed “better” and must follow certain blending and aging rules. I’ve tasted plenty of basic Chiantis that kicked Classico’s ass, but this one, well … it’s pretty freakin’ good.

Tuscan producer Melini has had more than 300 years to get the basics of Chianti down. And thev’re succeeded. This wine is uber dry and medium-bodied with dusty cherry, strong brewed tea, ripe plum, earthy mushroomy-ness and plenty of food-friendly acidity.

Definitely old-world in style but tomato-based food brings out the fruitiness.