Red
Canaiolo
A Tuscan red that has spent centuries as Sangiovese's partner in Chianti and Carmignano. It gives soft tannin, gentle red fruit and a rounder texture, which is exactly what Sangiovese lacks. On its own it makes a pleasant, unambitious wine.
Worth knowing
Ricasoli's nineteenth century Chianti formula gave it a substantial share, and it fell away through the twentieth century as growers chased colour and structure from French varieties instead. It is coming back among producers trying to make Chianti taste Tuscan again.
Where it is allowed11 appellations