The influence of climate and soil on Chianti Classico
Galestro
The influence of climate and soil on the Sangiovese grape variety and therefore on Chianti Classico cannot be denied. There are different types of soil to discover on a stroll through Chianti. And, of course, the shapes of the slopes and hills change from valley to valley. For example, wooded valleys or open basins have a great influence on temperature and wind, up and down, through bends and hairpin bends, again and again... and again.
The gentle hills of Chianti come to mind involuntarily. It is precisely these that are decisive for the climate and microclimate - just like the temperatures throughout the year. The different structure and composition of the soil is linked to the altitude and ultimately also to the quality of the wines. In Chianti, this clearly defined region between Florence and Siena, the climate is continental. On average, winters are cold (4 to 5 degrees), summers are hot and dry (but on average no higher than 35 degrees), with moderate temperature fluctuations during the day.
These variations are often due to the different altitudes. The altitudes range from 200 to 600 meters, in the Monti del Chianti (in the east of the region) even up to over 800 meters. These different altitudes are inevitably linked to different soil conditions.
Different soil conditions
The (almost) all-important floor
In the municipality of San Casciano Val di Pesa, Galestro soils are predominant, Greve in Chianti tends to produce clay-limestone (marl) soil, while the sandstone Macigno is found along the ridge of the Monti del Chianti. Albarese soil is more common in the central and southern part of the territory, with tuff dominating around Castelnuovo Berardenga. A high proportion of pebbles and stones, especially galestro, can be found in all areas.
The most common soil types in Chianti
Galestro is the name for a slate rock that breaks into smaller pieces due to weathering and especially frost.
Clay is a sediment or a type of soil made up of particularly fine particles. Soils described in this way consist mainly of clay minerals.
Limestone is a hard rock consisting of the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate). Plant roots only find their way through the cracks.
Marl is a combination of lime and clay.
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock consisting of sand particles, usually quartz.
Alberese is simply limestone - see above.
Tuff is a very calcareous soil, which ensures better water drainage than most other types of limestone.
Pebble refers to a type of soil, or rather weathered rock, in which rock debris forms the main component.
Rock in Chianti
The combination of climate, soil characteristics and altitude therefore forms the basis for the production of top quality wines in Chianti. Every winegrower in the region will speak of the very special uniqueness of their soil and microclimatic conditions. More and more producers are paying tribute to this increasing importance of land and climate through sustainable and organic cultivation. This is because they are firmly convinced that they can give their wines even more individuality and character in this way. And that is ultimately good for everyone who enjoys a glass or two of Chianti Classico.