Lessons learned on Chianti Classico

Chianti pointers I learned as an alcoholic-beverage Newbie (or Noobie per JSE) from J & N's friend, Christopher, during their New Year's Eve Party.  Keep in mind that I knew almost nothing about  Chianti  wine before attending the party:

 (1) This is what you can get for $ 11.99 at Binny's Beverage Depot --- a GREAT bottle of Chianti Classico for an inexpensive price 
(2) A "good year" for wine refers to a combination of weather, region, type of grape used, plus other factors that I can't quite recall 
(3) The flavor of French Chianti is considered high-end by those in-the-know 
(4) 2005-2006 were good years for standard Chianti
 (5) 2002 was a good year for Champagne 
(6) Something to consider ---he  says French and Italian Chianti have lower sulfite levels, thus less likely to cause headaches to those prone to it.