Wine: Chianti Classico

[Mike Buckley]

Chianti is a regulated wine region in Tuscany, Italy. The regulations regarding the required grape species and the optionally allowed species have changed a lot over the centuries and as recently as 1996. Currently, any wine bearing the Chianti label must be made of at least 80% Sangiovese and can be made entirely from that species. Other regulations also apply. This particular wine is made of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot.

Classico is one of eight sub-regions in Chianti. The small label on the neck bearing the black rooster is an official indication that the wine is a Chianti Classico. That sub-region is by far the largest, so it's no surprise that almost all Chianti sold in America is Chianti Classico. I see Chianti Ruffino (not to be confused with the winery named Ruffino) every once in awhile. I also remember drinking a Chianti just one time from one of the other sub-regions but I don't remember which one.

It actually took me about twice as long to make this simple photo as it took to make my much more complicated photo the day before of maple syrup being poured over waffles. That's because my initial plan for this photo turned out to be a complete bust, so I spent a lot of time trying to come up with an alternative look that satisfied me. Fortunately, that finally happened just barely in time for me to cook supper, though my wife and I drank a different wine. Actually, two different wines.

Setup
The tabletop is black textured art paper and the background is printed art paper with a black mesh placed loosely in front of it. A small continuous-light lamp fitted with a diffusion sock is above the subject on the right side. A white reflector on the left side adds a reflection mostly to that side of the shoulder to add a little interest and to help define the bottle's shape. A flash light on the right side set to its lowest power slightly brightens the background behind the main label on the bottle.

[NorthernFocus]

I enjoyed the chianti when we biked through Tuscany last year. You picked a perfect material for the BG on this one. I'm not sure the light from the flashlight adds to the image. Nicely done overall.

[Shadowman]

Nicely captured, I've tried using flashlights especially with long exposures; I'll usually play around with brief illuminations while the shutter is open.

[Werner]

Nice product presentation.

[bje07]

Nicely Done
With such variety of bottle and wines , are you managing a wine store?

[Wavelength]

Meant for hoardings!!!

[bnnrcn]

Hi Mike IMO this image is not your usual high standart. The flash light looks a bit unnatural and harsh. Although the bottle stands straight, unfortunatelly the label on the bottle is tilted and at first sight it makes me think that the bottle stands tilted

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks, everyone!

Although the bottle stands straight, unfortunatelly the label on the bottle is tilted and at first sight it makes me think that the bottle stands tilted

I hadn't noticed that detail about the label. Even so, now that I'm aware of it, it doesn't bother me. I wonder if that's because I'm used to seeing labels not being perfectly straight.