Sant' Arturo Chianti
Tuscan Sangiovese poured in Commack for three decades.
The story behind Sant' Arturo
Sant' Arturo Chianti comes from Tuscany, where Sangiovese grows on the hills between Florence and Siena and carries the DOCG stamp that Chianti earned in 1984. The house blends roughly 90 percent Sangiovese with 10 percent Merlot, a combination that softens the grape's natural grip and pushes the fruit toward dried cherries and red currants rather than the lean, austere style some producers chase.
We have poured this one across the counter at 1171 Jericho Turnpike for years. It is a private label assembled for the Italian portfolio its U.S. importer manages, so you get a Tuscan red at a price that leaves room for a second bottle. The tannins are assertive but fine, the oak is present without shouting, and the finish carries tobacco and a lick of licorice.
Explore the Sant' Arturo range
Five Sant' Arturo expressions reach us from Tuscany and the north, from a $9.99 Pinot Grigio to a $39.99 Barolo. The Chianti is the one that moves.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sant' Arturo Chianti 750mL | Chianti DOCG, Sangiovese and Merlot | About 13.5% ABV | Red currant, tobacco, dried cherry, fine tannin |
| Sant' Arturo Chianti 1.5L | Chianti DOCG, magnum | About 13.5% ABV | Same blend, built for a table of eight |
| Sant' Arturo Pinot Grigio 750mL | White, Pinot Grigio | Light bodied, moderate alcohol | Crisp orchard fruit, dry finish, serve cold |
| Sant' Arturo Amarone 750mL | Amarone, dried Corvina blend | Full bodied, high alcohol | Raisined dark fruit, cocoa, long warm finish |
| Sant' Arturo Barolo 750mL | Barolo DOCG, Nebbiolo | Full bodied, firm tannin | Rose, tar, sour cherry, needs decanting |
Which Sant' Arturo is right for you?
The Sant' Arturo Chianti 750mL sits at $11.99 on our shelf, which is the honest everyday number for a DOCG Tuscan red. The 1.5L magnum runs $16.99 when we have it, and it sells out fast around the holidays. Step up to the Amarone at $35.99 or the Barolo at $39.99 if the evening calls for something with more weight. The Pinot Grigio at $9.99 rounds out the case. Call (631) 343-7200 to check stock before you drive over.
Enough acid and tannin to cut through tomato, meatballs and a long simmer.
A magnum pours for the whole table and looks generous on the sideboard.
Nebbiolo structure without the restaurant markup, decant it an hour.