Chianti

The quintessential Chianti Classico wines have been produced for over 2000 years – symbolizing not only its tradition but its prestige. With unmistakable traits and stringent rules, the Chianti Classico represents the esteemed wines from Italy

Located within the Chianti region of Tuscany in central Italy, Chianti Classico is the oldest and the most esteemed area for producing Chianti wines. While the Chianti region is a relatively small area that is situated between Florence and Siena, the Classico area is at the heart of the region.

Classico Terroir

The Chianti Classico vineyards are planted at elevated heights which significantly impacts how the wines transpire. While the region is considered a continental climate, there is substantial influence from the Apennine Mountains which create a cooling effect, along with a warming Mediterranean breeze. This combination of warmth and cold is what allows the region’s grapes to ripen precisely while maintaining impactful acidity.

Classico Wines

While all Chianti wines are produced with Sangiovese as the basis, there are detailed rules surrounding the production of the Classico wines. This iconic Sangiovese variety is known to add great intensity of cherry notes and aromas of herbs, violets spice and significant structure.

The classic Chianti wines are required to have 80% Sangiovese. The remaining 20% can consist of either indigenous varieties like Canaiolo Nero or Colorino del Valdarno or well-known Bordeaux-varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The result is a ruby-red Chianti that is remarkable structure and complexity.

But within the Classico classification, however, the wine has to be produced with 100% Sangiovese. And within this classification, there is an even higher-regarded version known as Chianti Classico Riserva. These wines are highly respected and hold their own set of regulations. With 24 months maturation and a minimum alcohol percentage of 12,5, these wines tend to be deep, complex, intense and still hold refreshing amounts of acidity.

While there are notes of toastiness and smoke in the wine from the barrel-ageing in all Chianti Classico wines, these wines tend to exhibit the natural fruit and terroir far better.

Chianti Classico Seal

In order to protect these prestigious Chianti Classico wines, a specific seal is found in each Chianti Classico bottle to ensure consumers are drinking the right wine. As of 2013, the official Chianti Classico seal consists of an image of a black rooster on a white label and a dark red-brown frame.

The rooster has remained a symbol of Chianti since the 13th century, with a legend surrounding the rooster and how it was used to rectify a land-dispute over the Chianti area.