The story behind Melini
Chianti is Sangiovese first, grown in the hills between Florence and Siena and blended the way Tuscany has always blended it. The wine is bright rather than heavy, with sour cherry, dried herbs and a grip of tannin that shows up the moment food hits the table. Melini is a Tuscan house in that tradition, the kind of label that has sat on Italian tables for generations rather than chasing a score.
We have poured Chianti from this shelf for over thirty years, and Melini is the sort of bottle we keep for people who want the real thing without ceremony. The Riserva spends longer in wood before release, which softens the edges and deepens the fruit. Serve it slightly cool, around 60 to 65 degrees, and give it a little air.
Explore the Melini range
Three ways to buy Melini in Commack: the Riserva we keep in stock, plus the standard Chianti in 750mL and 1.5L when it lands.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melini Chianti Riserva 750mL | Chianti Riserva | 750mL | Sour cherry, dried herb, firmer tannin; the fuller of the two |
| Melini Chianti 750mL | Chianti | 750mL | Lighter, brighter, everyday Sangiovese; currently out of stock |
| Melini Chianti 1.5L | Chianti | 1.5L | Magnum format for a table of people; currently out of stock |
Which Melini is right for you?
The Melini Chianti Riserva 750mL is $9.99, which is honest money for a wine that spent extra time in wood before it reached us. The standard Chianti 750mL is $7.99 and the 1.5L is $13.98, both listed here so you know the shelf before you call. Stock moves; the Riserva is in now, and we will tell you straight when the others are back.
Acid and tannin cut through tomato and pork fat without costing a fortune.
A magnum keeps the pours coming and the price per glass low.
Light, bright Sangiovese that does not ask for a special occasion.
Melini cocktails and pairings
Chianti was built for food, so lean into it. Keep the bottle a touch cool and let the tannin do its work.