“Beguiling” New Chianti Classico: Approachable and Affordable. $25
The most important thing in winemaking is the marriage of grape and place. Chardonnay grows on nearly every continent, but only in Burgundy does it produce such superlative results. Syrah in the Northern Rhône, Merlot in Bordeaux, Riesling in the Mosel, Chenin Blanc in the Loire — these matches have been perfected over centuries of winemaking. Also on that list is the marriage of Sangiovese to Tuscany.