Head to Head

Gabriele Chianti 2003 vs. Toscaleoni Chianti 2003

**The Taste Test**
Chianti	Wine	Chianti
Cantina Sant'Andrea (Gabriele)	Winery	Toscaleoni
2003	Year	2003
Italy	Country	Italy
11.99	Price	14.99
2.5	Color	2
A heavy, meaty look. It's very dark and rich looking and much fuller than the Toscaleoni.	Note	A nice garnet color but clearly thinner than the Gabriele.
6	Aroma	6
A very earthy smell filled with black cherries and leather. It's a more aggressive scent than the Toscaleoni. Not necessarily better though.	Note	A strong scent of cherries and tobacco. Not as powerful or complex as the Gabriele but softer and more subtle, if the word "subtle" can be used to describe either of these.
8.5	Taste	8
A rich and earthy flavor of cherries and spices. Dry and a little sour with lots of tannins. It's much smoother than the Toscaleoni, which is surprising.	Note	A dry flavor of cherries and spices with lots of tannins. From the scent I expected it to be the gentler wine but it was harsher and a less refined flavor than the Gabriele. You just never know until you try it!
17	Total	16

**A final word....**
Chianti's take some getting used to. It's a very bold and aggressive flavor that easily overpowers the wrong food. Take care to match it with the right meal, preferably grilled steak or pasta with red sauce (and lots of garlic!). That being said, the Gabriele edges out the Toscaleoni today with a richer color and a surprisingly smoother taste. The Gabriele has the better finish of the two and would be easier to mix with other foods. If you like the spicyness of a Syrah you might enjoy the Gabriele with your next pasta dish. I'll have mine with a steak on the grill.

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