@ChiantiClassUSA

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Sarah Tracey (@thelushlifeny) taking over #ChiantiClassico #Sommchat with @keepercoll in just a few minutes. Who's ready?

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Welcome to #SommChat everyone! Tell your friends to join us to learn from #Sommelier Sarah Tracey on #Chianti @ChiantiClassUSA !

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: We’d like to introduce you to #Sommelier Sarah Tracey talking #Chianti and how to pair food with @ChiantiClassUSA #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Abt ready 2 dive N w/Qs, so shout out 2 #Sommelier Sarah Tracey 4 @ChiantiClassUSA 2 say HI so she knows U're here! #WineWednesday #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Don’t forget that EVERY tweet during this chat should include the #SommChat hashtag in order for everyone to see it!

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Ask #Sommelier Sarah Tracey @ChiantiClassUSA your Qs! She’ll do best 2 answer Qs in order they post #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: W so many ppl lots of gr8 Q's R asked! Even if u dont ask 1, give S/O 2 @keepercoll & @ChiantiClassUSA 2 let us know UR here! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Let’s start talking #ChintiClassico #wine with #Sommelier Sarah Tracey @ChiantiClassUSA #WineWednesday #SommChat

Judia Black @enjoielife: Looking forward

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Caio @enjoielife have you been to #chianticlassico and have you travelled there #SommChat

Judia Black @enjoielife: @keepercoll @ChiantiClassUSA Yes! I traveled to Tuscany with @JamesSuckling and his team for DivinoTuscany several years ago.

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Hey @enjoielife! Thank you for tuning in. We can't wait to hear your questions. #SommChat

Adam Plotkin @AdamPlotkin: Buongiorno, #SommChat-ers! Ready 2 learn #somm-thing about #Chianti Classico!

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Sarah Tracey here! Happy #WineWednesday! Can't wait to chat about #ChiantiClassico. #Sommchat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm Sarah, How did you get interested in @chianticlassico #wine and how long ago? How do you keep up with the changes?

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: The only way to keep up with changes is to taste as much and as frequently as possible. You're always learning. #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: My first experience with cc was sipping a glass of my dads glass as a teen. It was Macciee. #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: And also traveling to the region is the best way to learn. #Sommchat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: @ChiantiClassUSA Sarah, Tell us about what you find most intriguing about #Chianti Classico as a #Sommelier. #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Number 1 is how versatile the wines are as far as pairing with food. Every somm needs to support the direction of the chef. #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: I also love how beautifully the wines express their terroir. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat peep - Sarah how does beginner in wine learn about #ChiantiClassico and what makes it different than other #Chianti #wine?

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: First, #ChiantiClassico is a location and like all great wine, location is really number 1. It's the area btw Florence & Siena #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUS A:…Classico denotes it as the orig. heart of the growing region - distinguishing it from larger area of Chianti production. #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: For a beginner I recommend asking the staff at your local wine shop to recommend a few classic examples. #Sommchat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: .@enjoielife do you have some fav @chianticlassico #wines ? #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: @ChiantiClassUSA Sarah, What is your first memory of drinking #Chianti Classico? #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: With my family, at our local Italian restaurant in Galina, IL, Vinni Vanucci. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm - Sarah, do you visit #Chianti often and have you seen or heard about any issues with Climate Change @chianticlassico

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Yes, I have been lucky enough to visit frequently and yes, there are issues with climate change but I feel that is a global issue. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm any suggestions for educating staff on @chianticlassico #wines? Any help with selling to customers on floor ?

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: As with all staff education, making them comfortable exploring their own palate & answering their questions, building confidence. #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: In terms of selling on the floor, #ChiantiClassico is such a beloved wine that it almost sells itself! #Sommchat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: @ChiantiClassUSA Sarah, R there particular occasions or dishes U find #Chianti Classico to be an especially appropriate pairing? #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: The best occasion is anytime you have a group of people around a table. It's a convivial wine that's meant to be shared. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm - can U describe tasting profiles of @chianticlassico #wines and how does if differ from #Sangiovese from other areas?

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: The 1st real thing is the structure. The wines have pristine acidity and a medium body that makes them very versatile. #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Red fruit on the palate with dusty herbs is my "tell" with #ChiantiClassico #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: @ChiantiClassUSA Sarah, What are your thoughts on recently introduced Gran Selezione, the Chianti Classico top-tier category? #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: It’s such a new category with so few wines that it's too soon to tell... #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA:...but I'm in favor of encouraging producer to step up their quality. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm - how do @chianticlassico #wines age and how does age change the taste profile & change how you would pair?

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Because of the high acid the wines age extremely well but as they age the fruit character falls away, becoming more savory. #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: For older wines, I love braised meats. Younger wines with vegetables and esp. tomatoes. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: @ChiantiClassUSA Sarah, Chianti Classico region has applied 4 UNESCO world heritage site What is it that makes it so unique? #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world, making one of the most famous wines in the world for 300 yrs. Remarkable. #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: And also the diverse geography incl. 9 subzones makes the region unique. #Sommchat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat peep: for entry level @chianticlassico can you give me price range, Sarah? To move up beyond entry what is next range?

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Starting with a wine like Ruffino, their entry level is about $14 & delicious... #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA:… 2nd level would the $20-25 range with which you're getting more complexity. #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Finally, for over $30 you can really treat yourself because the quality:value ratio is really incredible. #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Compared to Burgundy or Bordeaux, there is no question that #ChiantiClassico can compete in quality at a relative bargain. #Sommchat

Judia Black @enjoielife: The #Ruffino Chianti Classico is really one of my faves for under $15. #Sommchat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Yep! One of my favorites too. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: loved the price point information - watch our feed as we will be there in 48 hours #SommChat

Adam Plotkin @AdamPlotkin: You are off to Italy?

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: yep #Chianti and #EmiliaRomagna

Adam Plotkin @AdamPlotkin: Have fun! You are racking up the frequent flyer miles these days!

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: you are one to speak!!!!!

Adam Plotkin @AdamPlotkin: Wasn’t criticizing--just jealous! :-)

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: you just did our #bucketList trip!

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm Sarah, Do U C @chianticlassico growing in popularity on #wine lists in #US and if so what areas do you C this in? Why?

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Absolutely! Because of the value& versatility its popularity is only growing. #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: I’m based in NYC so I can speak mostly to what is going on here. #Sommchat

Courtney Quinn @Path2Wine: Q. Sarah @ChiantiClassUSA can you share some differences between CC subregions? #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Because of the diversity of soil types, the wines show very differently... #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: The clay and sandstone of Greve gives a round, rich & ripe wine. #Sommchat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: @chianticlassico Sarah, how does the Riserva differ from Gran Selezione ? #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: The GS has longer aging requirements w/ higher required alc. and in theory more concentration & richness. #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Also the GS must be made with all estate fruit. No purchased grapes! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat peep - do #wineries in @chianticlassico welcome visitors and do you have any suggestions on best way to arrange?

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Yes, most wineries have tasting rooms & hospitality. Very easy to arrange if you check their websites... #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA:…Most recommend making reservations ahead of time. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm - Sarah, had a retailer tell me that I should visit @chianticlassico and go in the vineyards after a rain? Why?

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Probably the aromas of the soil are most pronounced right after rainfall. But it doesn't rain a lot there so time it well. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: @ChiantiClassUSA Sarah, Why should #US consumers be excited about and, most importantly, interested in Chianti Classico? #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Because most Americans may not have a huge travel budget & a bottle of Chianti Classico is a lot cheaper than a plane ticket. #Sommchat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm can you tell me about the barrel aging requirements of @chianticlassico Sarah?

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: 24 mos. is required but lots of producers age longer. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: @ChiantiClassUSA Sarah, How are Millennials affecting the future of consumption of Chianti Classico? #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Millennials are all about authenticity. We don't want to be sold a focus group created product. #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: #ChiantiClassico has so much history and really speaks to where it's from. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat peep - can U recommend a few @chianticlassico wines easily found on #wine list or at retailer for me to try that is classic?

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Some of my favorites are Felsina, Querciabella & Ricasoli. #Sommchat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm how was the 16 vintage and any weather issues in 17 thus far @chianticlassico

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: ’16 was an outstanding vintage so we can look forward to drinking that. '17 is TBD. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm can you tell me some older vintages of @chianticlassico that I should be looking for Sarah?

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Right now I love '06. It's really in its sweet spot. If you can find it... Also 2001. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: @ChiantiClassUSA Sarah, When did you first become interested in #wine and where do you see your career focus in future? #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Woah, I started my career at @CityWineryNYC which is a winery in Manhattan, so wine making has always been interesting to me. #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: My passion in my career is showing the everyday drinker how to truly enjoy wine. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @ChiantiClassUSA Sarah, Tell us about some of your favorite #ChiantiClassico #wines to suggest 4 BTG.

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: By the glass, I look for value, which is easy to find in #ChiantiClassico w/o sacrificing quality. #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Also looking for something on the lighter side that can be sipped w/o food at the bar. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm Sarah, tell me how to explain to #Chef how to create good #food pairs with @chianticlassico #wines

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Luckily Sangiovese pairs easily with food but in my exp. the best pairings are the simplest w/ the highest quality ingredients. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: @ChiantiClassUSA Sarah, Where did you learn most of what you know about @chianticlassico #wines #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: The most valuable tool has been visiting the region, of course. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm can you tell me about other red grapes in @chianticlassico #wines Sarah?

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Other red grapes - I'm seeing a lot of Colorino, Merlot & even some Syrah. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm don't hear much abt White #wine in @chianticlassico explain why and are there many?

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Red wine is definitely the star & most vineyard properties are planted to red grapes. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm are other red grapes you described used 4 blending or made separately and how affect taste of @chianticlassico #wine

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Colorino will be blended in for pigment, Merlot for more lushness & Syrah for structure & power. #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: If you see white it will not have the #ChiantiClassico designation. #SommChat

Courtney Quinn @Path2Wine: Q. @chianticlassico for Gran Selezione or Riserva can producers list subregions on labels? #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: No, subregions will not be listed on labels. #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: To elaborate, subregions are not allowed on the label, but comunes can be listed. #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Chianti Classico Consortium is working on giving the subregions higher visibility. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #sommChat peep @ChiantiClassUSA Sarah, What advice would you give someone aspiring to enter the #wine industry? #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Know it's not always as glamorous as it looks, be prepared to roll up your sleeves and do heavy lifting. #SommChat

Sandy Wasserman CS @SandyWasserman: Q @ChiantiClassUSA What do you like to drink when not drinking Italian #wine ? Thanks #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Champagne! Which is perfect in light of their recent partnership. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: @ChiantiClassUSA Sarah, What are some of your favorite #restos in #NYC with good #chianticlassico #wines on list #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: @martamanhattan & @BabboRistorante are favorites of mine. #Sommchat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: 1st was a pairing with @alidoronyc an Italian sandwich shop, which was a really fun event. #Sommchat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: @ChiantiClassUSA Sarah, What was your first experience with #wine and #food #pairing of #chianticlassico ? What is UR most recent? #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassico: Most recent was an event with Italian wines and cheeses. #SommChat

Sandy Wasserman CS @SandyWasserman: Q @ChiantiClassUSA How did you get your start in wine biz? #sommchat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: I started in college, bartending my way through school and my interest grew from there. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm Are the vineyards in @chianticlassico steep and is there much variation from sub region to sub region, Sarah?

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: It’s more gently rolling hills in #ChiantiClassico... #Sommchat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: And yes, the different soil types in each require different agricultural approaches to farming. #SommChat

Michael Godel @mgodello: Please get me started on that topic...May 31st in Toronto will be all about soil types in #ChiantiClassico #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Issues like philosophies around irrigation, pruning techniques & harvest times vary depending where u are. Each vineyard is unique #SommChat

Drew Gourdie @drewbie_g: I’m listening and scrolling! Great chat about #Chianti! #SommChat 🍷🍷🍷

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: So glad you're enjoying this! Feel free to chime in with a question. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: .@drewbie_g @SandyWasserman great to see you both on #SommChat with @chianticlassico and Sarah

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm Have U seen much style change in @chianticlassico #winemaking and if so how? R their modernists vs traditional, Sarah?

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: The no. 1 thing I'm seeing is more & more Sangiovese in the finished wines. Growers are taking pride in Italian heritage. #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: There’s only so much innovation that is allowed in the production of these wines. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm - R there any books you can rec on @chianticlassico #wine and any websites, Sarah?

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: A great book is Chianti Classico: The Search for Tuscany's Noblest Wine by Bill Nesto MW & Frances Di Savino. #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: The best website is, of course, chianticlassico.com #SommChat

Rashmi Primlani @PrimlaniKitchen: Q: can you identify classic winemaking vs modern style? Indigenous grapes used? #sommchat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: The native grapes are still being used, but percentage of Sangiovese increasing. #SommChat

Courtney Quinn @Path2Wine: Thanks @ChiantiClassUSA for answering questions on Chianti! Thanks @keepercoll for hosting #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Courtney great questions and good to see you back on #SommChat with @chianticlassico

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Time to wrap up! Hope you enjoyed this hour of #wine talk with #Sommelier Sarah Tracey @ChiantiClassUSA #WineWednesday #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: It was great to have #Sommelier Sarah Tracey 4 @ChiantiClassUSA join us today for #SommChat.

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Please join us in thanking #Sommelier Sarah Tracey 4 @ChiantiClassUSA for her time #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassico: No problem! Thanks again for engaging with #ChiantiClassico #SommChat

Chianti Classico USA @ChiantiClassUSA: Thanks for hanging out with us today. I hope you're craving a glass of #ChiantiClassico because I am! Cheers. #SommChat

Drew Gourdie @drewbie_g: So much to know about #chianticlassico ! Reading all questions & comments now, well done @thelushlifeny, for @ChiantiClassUSA !! #SommChat