Posted on 09/05/2025 5:44:19 AM PDT by Red Badger
NATIONAL CHIANTI DAY
The first Friday in September each year ushers in a celebration worthy of a toast. National Chianti Day recognizes the most-recognized red wines from the Tuscany region of Italy.
#NationalChiantiDay
Always leading with the Sangiovese grape, the ruby red wine is famous worldwide. The iconic Gallo Nero log and a black rooster inside a red circle represent Chianti Classico. While Chianti is most associated with Tuscany, the smaller Chianti Classico region, located between Florence in the north and Siena in the south, is the historical heartland and most-respected area for red wines.
As essential to Italian cuisine as olive oil, Chianti Classico is a dry red wine that is medium to full-bodied. It shows red cherry and herbaceous notes, making it flexible with many cuisines and pairing particularly well with robust dishes like barbeque and grilled meats. And because Chianti Classico is the authentic taste of Tuscany and the ultimate expression of the region, the wines have a natural affinity to Italian dishes like pasta, carbonara, or pizza.
For a more savory and earthy expression, look for the word Riserva. Chianti Classico Riserva demands that the wine be aged an additional two years and will develop subtle balsamic and espresso notes during that time. These hedonistic wines work brilliantly with stews and braised dishes.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CHIANTI DAY Pick up a bottle of Chianti Classico to serve with dinner. To elevate your meal, consider an aged bottle of Chianti Classico Riserva. While exploring the wine aisle, be sure to plan your meal. May we suggest a charcuterie board with a selection of Italian meats and cheeses? Chianti Classico will also go well with a thick-cut porterhouse steak. But don't stop there. The tangy acidity of Chianti Classico cuts through the richness on your plate, so explore all the ways this Italian wine complements a meal.
While you enjoy your wine, be sure to share your favorite pairings by using #NationalChiantiDay on social media.
NATIONAL CHIANTI DAY HISTORY
Santa Margherita USA founded National Chianti Day to honor our Chianti Classico Riserva, a wine that embodies the traditions of Tuscany and the Chianti Classico region. Our Santa Margherita Chianti Classico Riserva is from a single vineyard called Salentino located just outside of the town of Panzano. Dry, rich, and rewarding, the wine has complex aromas of red cherries and plums with a palate that unfolds to berry fruits and licorice, framed by light toasty notes of oak and finishes with a firm structure.
The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Chianti Day to be observed on the first Friday in September, annually.
About Santa Margherita USA
Santa Margherita USA is a fine wine import company representing premium and ultra-premium wine estates from Italy. Since our founding in 1935, Count Gaetano Marzotto dedicated his life to establishing Santa Margherita and its estates as one of the leading ambassadors of Italian wine excellence worldwide. With the establishment of Santa Margherita USA in 2016, we proudly carry on his vision in the United States.
Chianti FAQ
Q. What does it mean to let a wine breathe?
A. Letting wine breathe exposes the wine to the air after opening the bottle and before enjoying it. Exposure to the air enhances the wine's qualities. The type of wine will determine how long you should let it breathe, too. If you're in a hurry, a decanter speeds up the process by aerating the wine. Decanting is probably more beneficial than just opening the bottle and letting it sit.
Q. Do I need to let Chianti breathe?
A. Yes, Chianti is a wine that benefits from aeration.
Q. Does chianti need to be served chilled?
A. Yes, but only slightly. Serve Chianti at slightly below room temperature - between 60-65°F.
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NATIONAL CHEESE PIZZA DAY
On September 5th, National Cheese Pizza Day says, "Hold the toppings!" That's right, cheese is all you need when celebrating this pizza holiday. Whether the pie is homemade or ordered in, make it cheese only.
#NationalCheesePizzaDay
Add a variety of cheeses to your pie to celebrate. Smokey gouda or a little gorgonzola might mix it up. If you like a little cheddar, mild or sharp shredded across the top will do. Debates prevail over thin or thick crust. However, that debate is for another day. The cheese holds the spotlight on this occasion. In fact, thin-crust doesn't even have a day. How did that happen? However, deep-dish does.
We do know a few things about pizza in general, though. In ancient Greece, they covered their bread with oils, herbs and cheese. Many believe this to be the beginning of the pizza. In Byzantine Greek the word was spelled πίτα, or pita, meaning pie. The Romans also developed a version of the pizza pie. Using bay leaves for flavoring, the Romans topped the dough with cheese and honey.
When it comes to the modern pizza, we turn to Italy. Their Neapolitan flatbread created the beginnings of the pizza we know and love today. It was topped with mozzarella cheese made from high-quality buffalo milk.
In the United States, we love our pizzas, especially cheese pizza. In 1997, it's estimated the United States produced more than 2 billion pounds of pizza cheese. That's a lot of cheese! Our passion for pizza began in 1905 when the first pizza eaty oped in New York's Little Italy. It's been a cheese love affair ever since.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CHEESE PIZZA DAY
Order up or bake up your own cheese pizza to celebrate! Take a pizza poll to find out who makes the best cheese pizza in your state. Test out a new recipe or try one of these below. Have a cheese pizza party. Invite friends over to make their favorite cheese pizzas and enjoy each other's company. You can even try to break a world record. Make the largest cheese pizza or the thinnest. While you can make the pizza at home (we have recipes, too), don't forget to give a shout out to your favorite pizzeria. Whether they service it by the slice or you order up a whole pizza, you know they make it with love.
Use #NationalCheesePizzaDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL CHEESE PIZZA DAY HISTORY
We were unable to find the creator of National Cheese Pizza Day. However, there are several pizza days on the calendar. Be sure to explore them all!
Cheese Pizza FAQ
Q. What types of cheeses go on a cheese pizza?
A. The most common type of cheese on cheese pizza is mozzarella. This meltable, flexible cheese gives cheese pizza stretchy awesomeness. Cheddar cheese also makes for fabulous pizzas. The sharpness adds a punch of flavor. Provolone offers a subtle flavor. Choose smoked provolone to enhance the taste experience. Another option for cheese pizza is adding cheese blends. Add parmesan to mozzarella. Top the mozzarella with goat cheese, also known as Chevre'. Combine cheddar, mozzarella, and Pecorino-Romano for a flavor explosion.
Q. Are there other pizza days on the calendar?
A. You bet there is! Pepperoni Pizza Day, National Pizza Day, National Deep Dish Pizza Day, and National Detroit Pizza Day are just a few.
Q. What cheese days are on the calendar?
A. The calendar is full of cheese days. National Cheddar Day, National Cheese Lover's Day, National Cheesesteak Day, National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day, National Cheddar Fries Day, and many more grace the calendar.
Notable Birthdays for September 5
Lester Allan Pelton (1829-1908) - American inventor of the Pelton Water Wheel (hydroelectric water wheel).
Jesse James (1847-1882) - Wild West outlaw.
Amy Beach (1867-1944) - The first successful female composer of large-scale art music in America.
Arthur Nielsen (1897-1980) - Founder of the A.C. Nielsen Company (Nielsen ratings).
Bob Newhart (1929-2024) - Multi-award winning actor and comedian fondly remembered as the star of the Bob Newhart Show.
Claudette Colvin (1939-Still Living) - Civil rights activist arrested at 15 for refusing to give her seat on a bus to a white woman (nine months before Rosa Parks).
Michael Keaton (1951-Still Living) - Actor with many leading accolades in movies, such as Mr. Mom, Beetlejuice, Batman, and Jack Frost.
Memorable Events for September 5
1774 - The first Continental Congress assembles in Philadelphia.
1774 - Philadelphia becomes the first capital of the U.S.
1877 - A U.S. soldier bayonets Oglala Sioux Chief Crazy Horse at Fort Robinson, NE.
1882 - The first Labor Day parade is held in NY City.
1939 - President Roosevelt declares the U.S. neutral at the start of WWII.
1958 - The first color video recorded on magnetic tape is viewed Charlotte, NC.
1961 - President Kennedy signs a law against hijacking.
1976 - The Muppet Show premieres on t.v.
I’m a Moscato type guy when I did drink....................
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