Chianti Classico
Chianti is the name of the hills between Florence and Siena.
The Chianti Classico DOCG is the traditional heart of this wine region. Chianti Classico has the highest Italian DOCG classification since 2002. The Chianti Classico can be recognized by the logo with the image of a black rooster, the Gallo Nero. This Gallo Nero only indicates that the producer is a member of the consortium of winemakers in the Chianti Classico. Some wines also have the name “Riserva”. This is only permitted if the wine has undergone two years of aging in the wood. In addition, the wine must be stored in the bottle for 3 months.
Chianti is one of the most popular wine regions in Italy. Delicious wines from Sangiovese are made.
Smell, color and taste
The Chianti wines have a lot of acid and a high content of tannins. In addition, the soil and cherry flavor of the Sangiovese grapes can be easily recognized. Due to the high content of acid and tannin, the wine has a long shelf life in many cases. That does not mean that it also makes them taste better.
The Chianti Classico area
The area measures 160 km from north to south and is therefore larger than the French wine region of Bordeaux. In addition to the original areas, the Chianti Classico area also includes the neighboring municipalities of Greve, San Casciano, Barberino Val d’Elsa and Castelnuovo Berardenga.
Sangiovese supplemented with other grapes
Sangiovese is the basic grape in the Chianti Classico. This is traditionally supplemented with small amounts of canaiolo, colorino and mammolo. The white trebiano and malvasia are also used, but only for the more everyday wines. Nowadays this traditional mixing method is not mandatory. Wines from 100% sangiovese can be made and other grape varieties can be used at your own choice. There are a number of winemakers who continue to adhere to the traditional approach using local varieties. In most cases this choice pays for itself in the unique character and quality of the wine.