13 Tuscan Wines &
Chianti’s legacy of Sangiovese
With Brendan Jansen MW
Few wines capture the essence of Tuscany quite like Chianti. This historic region, first defined in 1716, is home to some of Italy’s most beloved reds, crafted primarily from Sangiovese—a grape known for its vibrant cherry flavors, high acidity, and structured tannins. Chianti wines range from fresh and food-friendly to age-worthy and complex, with classifications from Chianti DOCG to the prestigious Chianti Classico Gran Selezione.
The region’s rolling hills, diverse soils, and perfect balance of warm days and cool nights create wines that are both terroir-driven and incredibly versatile. Whether enjoyed young or after years in the cellar, Chianti remains a timeless symbol of Italian craftsmanship and passion.
Monday 24 March
Session 3: Chianti - Sangiovese’s True Home.
Hosted By Brendan Jansen MW
Masterclass: 6-8pm, 13 Wines with Kate Lamont canapes throughout, $165
Understanding Chianti
Historical Background
With origins dating back to the 14th century and formal recognition as a wine region in 1716, Chianti has been at the forefront of Italian winemaking for centuries.
Unique Terroir
The rolling hills of Tuscany, with a mix of Galestro (marl and clay-schist) and Alberese (limestone) soils, provide ideal conditions for Sangiovese. The region’s hot summers, cold winters, and significant day-to-night temperature variation contribute to wines with vibrant acidity, aromatic complexity, and strong aging potential.
Quality Classifications
Chianti’s classification system ensures high standards, from Chianti DOCG for easy-drinking styles to Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, which represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and terroir expression.
Chianti DOCG: At least 70% Sangiovese
Chianti Classico DOCG: At least 80% Sangiovese
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione: At least 90% Sangiovese (often 100%)
Grape Varieties
The primary grape variety in Chianti is Sangiovese, which must constitute at least 70% of the blend, though many producers use higher percentages or even 100% Sangiovese to showcase its characteristics.
Permitted grapes: Canaiolo, Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot (up to 30%)
Meet the hosts…
Master of Wine: Brendan Jansen
Brendan Jansen MW is a specialist medical practitioner, and the development of his expertise in wine began with his involvement in tasting groups with colleagues. His love affair with wine was cemented when he lived in Italy for two years, during which time he developed an affinity for, and in-depth knowledge of, Italian wines. Brendan's passion is for wine education and appreciation, and this has inspired his MW journey. Tastings led by Brendan are fun and informative and involve a deeper exploration of the varieties and regions covered.
The Master of Wine qualification indicates that the title recipient has completed the toughest series of examinations on viticulture, wine making styles and techniques, all wine regions, and all pluses and minuses in the marketing of these wines on planet. Then added to this is the requirement for an extraordinary ability to discern the bouquet & flavour nuances caused by the factors above which indicate the wine’s variety, age, wine making techniques used, regions, quality, hygiene and seasonal variations.
The title MW is the greatest imprimatur or recognition that the wine world can give to its most able students. After 50 years of Master of Wine graduates there are just 2 in Western Australia and perhaps 24 in Australia.
The Wine List and Menu
On Arrival
2022 Villa Antinori Toscana Bianco
1st Bracket
2021 Fèlsina Chianti Classico
2022 Monteraponi Chianti Classico
2021 Isole E Olena Chianti Classico
2nd Bracket
2021 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
2020 Poggio Brigante Morellino di Scansano ‘Poggio Brigante’
2018 Frascole Chianti Rufina Riserva
3rd Bracket
2021 Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 'Tenuta Tignanello’
2019 Brancaia Chianti Classico Riserva
2019 Monteraponi Chianti Classico Riserva ‘Il Campitello’
4th Bracket
2021 Istine ‘Vigna Istine’ Gran Selezione
2015 Tenuta Orsumella Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
2017 Fonterutoli Gran Selezione