2001 Castello della Paneretta Chianti Classico Riserva Vigneto Torre a Destra

The Italians really know how to make wine that goes with food. That’s because they rarely drink it any other way. And Chianti Classico from a good vintage is just about the perfect food wine. This 2001 riserva from Castello della Paneretta is 100% Sangiovese, ripe and absolutely delicious. Full of character, it tastes of dark cherries, earth and spice.

Keep an eye out for their Sangiovese-Canaiolo blend called Terrine, too. It’s even richer and more complex, made from Paneretta’s oldest vines. As a matter of fact, everything Paneretta does is top-notch, including their Chianti Classico normale.

-- S. Irene Virbila

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Quick swirl

Region: Tuscany

Price: About $25

Food it goes with: roast birds, pork roasts, lamb and pork chops, pasta with ragu

Where you find it: Available at fine wine shops and retailers.