What type of wine is Chianti classified as?

Chianti is classified as red wine due to its primary grape variety, which is Sangiovese. This region in Tuscany is renowned for producing robust, full-bodied wines characterized by bright acidity and fruity flavors, often complemented by subtle earthy and floral notes. The classification as red wine aligns with its production methods, which typically involve fermenting the grape skins to extract color and tannins, both essential elements in red wine.

In contrast, the other types mentioned, such as white, sparkling, and dessert wines, have different characteristics, grape varieties, and production techniques that do not apply to Chianti. White wines, for instance, are made from non-colored grapes or just the juice of red grapes, while sparkling wines undergo a secondary fermentation to create carbonation. Dessert wines are often sweeter and are made from grapes that have been affected by noble rot or have been dried to condense their sugars. Therefore, the classification of Chianti as red wine highlights its distinctive qualities and traditional winemaking practices in the region.