The Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico
Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico
The "Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico" is the organization responsible for the protection, control and marketing of the entire Chianti Classico wine region and the Chianti Classico brand. The main focus is always on guaranteeing the highest quality for consumers and producers.
On 14 May 1924, a group of 33 wine producers gathered in Radda in Chianti to form a voluntary organization to protect the production of Chianti. This is how the consortium for the protection of the typical Chianti wine came into being, which today is called the "Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico". The black rooster - the "Gallo Nero" - was chosen as the symbol for Chianti Classico, which originally adorned the flag of the Lega del Chianti, a military force, in the Middle Ages. Then as now, this symbol stands for identification with this area and with the wine typical of the region.
600 members - from large to small
Today, the Consorzio has more than 600 members, of which around 350 are active as winegrowers, meaning that 95% of all wine producers from Chianti Classico are represented in the Consorzio. These are different types of wineries:
small and medium-sized companies,
large producers (keyword "global player"),
Cooperative wineries,
industrial companies.
Protection and marketing of Chianti Classico
As a modern, well-structured and professional organization, the Consorzio pursues the protection and marketing of Chianti Classico and looks after the brand. In addition, in 2003 the Consorzio was given the task of monitoring the entire production process within the DOCG Chianti Classico by law ("erga omnes"). Since then, a team of inspectors has been responsible for monitoring Consorzio members and non-members in the appellation. The consortium is also responsible for changes to the regulations for the wines of the wine region between Florence and Siena. The most recent change was made in February 2013 as part of the annual vintage presentation in Florence at the Chianti Classico Collection: the introduction of the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione category.
An important task of the "Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico" is to take care of the marketing agendas - and thus to organize the presence of the winegrowers at some important wine fairs:
Chianti Classico Collection - the annual vintage presentation in Florence www.chianticlassicocollection.it
ProWein - Wine fair for trade visitors in Düsseldorf www.prowein.de
VinItaly - Wine fair for trade visitors in Verona www.vinitaly.com
Presentations in America and Asia
By the way: If you don't have the opportunity to taste the excellent Chianti Classico at one of the big fairs, I have put together a small overview of some interesting locations where you can taste a large number of Chianti Classico wines in one go:
Casa Chianti Classico - wine shop, boutique, wine seminars and culinary and artistic events in Radda in Chianti
www.mercatocentrale.it - Enoteca Chianti Classico in the Mercato Centrale in Florence
The Chianti Classico Academy offers wine seminars for interested parties, connoisseurs and experts.
www.chianticlassico.com - Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico, 50028 Tavarnelle Val di Pesa (FI)