A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Chianti
Avoid the common mistake of adding a 'ch' sound to this Italian wine; it is pronounced with a hard 'k' sound.
chianti
kee-AHN-tee
/kiˈɑːnti/ · chi · an · ti
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It specifically refers to a dry red wine produced in the Chianti region of Tuscany, typically made primarily from Sangiovese grapes.
Where the word comes from
The word is named after the Chianti region in Tuscany, Italy, which is of uncertain pre-Roman or Etruscan origin.
Common ways people get it wrong
- chee-AHN-tee English speakers often mistake the 'ch' for the sound in 'cheese', but in Italian, 'chi' is always a hard 'k' sound.
Frequently asked
Is Chianti pronounced with a ch sound?
No, the 'ch' in Italian is pronounced like a hard 'k'. It sounds like 'kee-AHN-tee' rather than 'chee-AHN-tee'.
What kind of wine is Chianti?
Chianti is a classic Italian red wine from Tuscany made mostly from Sangiovese grapes. It is known for its high acidity and food-friendly profile.
Do you say Chianti or Kianti?
You say it with a hard 'K' sound, so it sounds like 'Kianti'. The 'ch' spelling is simply the standard Italian way to represent that hard sound before an 'i'.
How do you pronounce Chianti in Italy?
In Italian, Chianti is pronounced 'kee-AHN-tee'. The emphasis is on the second syllable.
What does Chianti mean in Italian?
Chianti is the name of a region in Tuscany, Italy, famous for its wine. The word itself doesn't have a direct translation beyond being a place name.
Is Chianti a sweet or dry red wine?
Chianti is typically a dry red wine. While some variations might have slight sweetness, the classic Chianti profile is dry and often has notes of cherry and earth.
Pronunciation of chianti wine in english
In English, Chianti is commonly pronounced 'kee-AHN-tee' or 'CHEE-an-tee'. The Italian pronunciation is generally preferred.
