Now, producers are letting the gorgeous purity of the sangiovese grape shine through. By Eric Asimov I could not have imagined, 10 years ago, that I would be extolling the virtues of Chianti ...

One regarded as a good pizza wine, Chianti Classico is now held in the same esteem as some so-called Super Tuscan reds.

The name Sangiovese comes from the Latin sanguis Jovis, meaning "blood of Jove." Its color mirrors its etymology: The wines range from brick red to copper-tinged, and can be quite concentrated.

After a quick shower, it’s time to bath in the wine. The bath is filled with two bottles of Sangiovese red wine, an alcohol-free grape juice concentrate, grape seed extract, wine yeast ...