Good, inexpensive Chianti is like the ideal dance partner. It's a lot of fun without being showy. To that end, it puts the spotlight on the food, making even the most humble dish taste wonderful. A traditionalist at heart, a good $10 Chianti knows its role and doesn't try to overstep it.

The Bibbiani Poggio Vignoso Chianti is the antithesis of those brazen, internationally styled upstarts with their forward fruit and shameless ploys for attention. There's a lot of character in this unassuming bottle of wine. A traditional blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Malvasia, the Bibbiani will stand you in good stead for just about any meal, and for short money.

It's from the Small Vineyards portfolio, a collection of wines from small family wineries in Italy. The story of each family is detailed on the wine's label. In this case, the description concludes, "With over 133 years of vintner tradition, Bibbiani knows a little something about wine. Here it is."
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