There are basically three quality levels of Chianti Classico: Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. But what do these three quality levels mean? How do the wines differ from one another? Since when have these three classifications for Chianti Classico existed and what is their significance? 2013 was the year of the Chianti Classico "wine revolution".

In January of this year, the members of the "Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico" made a historic decision: In addition to the two existing classifications - Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico Riserva - a third, new one was added: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. These three quality levels differ in several respects - but above all in the alcohol content, the ageing period and the resulting nuances in taste:

Chianti Classico DOCG - The Classic

• Grape varieties: 80 - 100 % Sangiovese

• The harvest: The grapes must come from the Chianti Classico wine-growing region, from vineyards classified as such

• Certification: Samples of these wines are checked by an external authority both analytically and organoleptically.

• Alcohol: min. 12.0 % alcohol

• Maturity: at least 12 months maturing time

Aromas that are often found in Chianti Classico:

• fruity: cherries, sour cherries, currants

• floral: violet

• spicy: pepper, juniper, vanilla

What Nina in Chianti says: Classic, fresh, lively. With animating fruit, good drinking flow and a great fun factor. A lively food companion with stimulating acidity and hearty tannins.

Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG - The strong one

• Grape varieties: 80 - 100 % Sangiovese

• The harvest: The grapes must come from the Chianti Classico wine-growing region, from vineyards classified as such.

• Certification: Samples of these wines are checked by an external authority both analytically and organoleptically.

• Alcohol: min. 12.5 % alcohol

• Maturation: at least 24 months, of which at least three months in the bottle

Aromas that are often found in Chianti Classico Riserva:

• fruity: blackberries, blackcurrants, fig

• Spicy: caramel, chocolate, coffee, smoke, wood

What Nina says: Powerful, well-structured, full-bodied. Deep aromas, firm tannin structure, elegant, round, persistent and well suited for several years of storage. 

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG - The elegant one

• Grape varieties: 80 - 100 % Sangiovese

• The harvest: The grapes must come from the Chianti Classico wine-growing region and exclusively from the estate's own vineyards.

• Certification: Samples of these wines are checked by an external authority both analytically and organoleptically.

• Alcohol: min. 13.0 % alcohol

• Maturation: at least 30 months, of which at least three months in the bottle

Aromas that are often found in Chianti Classico Gran Selezione:

• fruity: blackberries, blackcurrants

• Spicy: caramel, tobacco, cinnamon, wood

What Nina says: Elegant, expressive and powerful. Great structure, complex and rich in aromas, outstanding balance and harmony. Suitable for long storage. Graphic provided by the "Consorzio del Vino Chianti Classico"