What is Chianti Classico?

For me, Chianti Classico is more than just a glass of red wine from Tuscany. For me, Chianti Classico stands for living tradition, important history, diverse culture and a conscious lifestyle. And last but not least, a fantastic cuisine, the so-called "cucina povera", the "poor people's cuisine".

Of course, Chianti Classico usually refers to the red wine from the heart of Tuscany, one of Italy's most important wine regions. Many people know Chianti Classico because of the typical straw bottle that used to be called "fiasco" in Italian. These bottles were often found as candlesticks in pizzerias in Germany and Austria in the 1980s and 1990s. This is another reason why this red wine made predominantly from Sangiovese grapes became famous.

However, Chianti Classico is not only the name of the wine, but also the name of the wine region, also known as the appellation. The Chianti Classico wine-growing region can look back on a long and rich history. Chianti Classico is quite simply the oldest wine appellation in the world. As early as 1716, Cosimo III, a Medici, issued a decree defining the boundaries of the region that is now the Chianti Classico appellation.

Chianti and Chianti Classico

The two terms Chianti and Chianti Classico are often used interchangeably, confused and even more often (unfortunately) incorrectly. This inevitably leads to great confusion.

Therefore a short explanation. Attention! Now it's getting complicated:

• Chianti is the area, the land, the region between Florence in the north and Siena in the south, thus a precise geographical definition

• Chianti Classico is the wine that is grown and pressed in this defined area under certain production conditions. Chianti Classico only comes from here

• However, Chianti is another red wine from Tuscany that has its origins outside this geographical area. In addition to its completely different origin, Chianti DOCG is also subject to completely different production regulations than Chianti Classico. There are several wine-growing areas within Tuscany where Chianti DOCG is produced.

Not yet understood? Not even after reading it several times? Don't worry, many people do. But there is a simple solution. Because Chianti Classico wine is quite easy to recognize. Every bottle of Chianti Classico must bear the black rooster, or "Gallo Nero" in Italian. Either on the front of the bottle on the neck or on the back label of the bottle. Because Chianti Classico can only be inside a bottle if it has the black rooster on it. It's actually quite simple!

The legend of the Black Rooster

The black rooster is the historical symbol of Chianti Classico. As early as 1924, the Consorzio Chianti Classico, the umbrella organization for all winegrowers in the region, had the Gallo Nero placed on the wine bottles of this wine region. Today, the founding fathers of the Consorzio Chianti Classico would perhaps be described as "marketing or brand managers".

But how did this animal symbol come about? There is a legend that goes like this: a long-standing conflict over the border between the two cities of Florence and Siena was to be settled by two horsemen. It was agreed that both riders, one from Florence and the other from Siena, would set off at dawn after the cock crowing. The point where they would meet on the route was to be the future border between the two cities. The Florentines' black cock was starving and therefore began crowing earlier, and the rider was able to start his journey much earlier. The white, well-fed rooster of the Senese did not start crowing until much later. As a result, Florence emerged victorious in this conflict, as legend has it that the two horsemen met south of Castellina in Chianti, near the present-day village of Fonterutoli.

What is Chianti Classico made from?

Sangiovese is the most important red wine grape variety in Italy, and also the most important in Tuscany. Several appellations in Tuscany are based on the Sangiovese red wine grape: Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino di Scansano, Chianti Colli Fiorentini, Chianti Colli Senesi, Chianti Rufina, Chianti Colli Aretini, Chianti Colli Pisane, Chianta Montalbano, Chianti Montespertoli and other regions. AND, of course, Chianti Classico.

Chianti Classico can be made from 100 percent Sangiovese, but up to 20 percent of other (permitted) grape varieties may be added: autochthonous, i.e. indigenous, grape varieties such as Canaiolo, Colorino, Pugnitello, Malvasia Nera and others and/or international grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Syrah and others. Depending on the cuvée, i.e. the mixing ratio of the grapes, different wine styles and characters are created for Chianti Classico. The grape varieties used therefore have a major influence on the character of the wine.

Today, the addition of white wine varieties is prohibited. But this was not always the case. In the past, it was even compulsory to add grapes such as Malvasia Bianca or Trebbiano to red wine. Bettino Ricasoli, a member of the famous noble Ricasoli family and former Prime Minister of Italy, is now regarded as the "inventor of the Chianti formula". As early as 1872, he laid down how "Chianti" (at that time still without Classico) was to be produced: Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Malvasia and Trebbiano were the grapes that had to be used. Over the years, the "recipe" has changed considerably in some cases.

What else should you know about Chianti Classico?

Chianti Classico is classified at the highest level under Italian wine law, namely in the group of DOCG wines. DOCG is the abbreviation for "Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita", which means "controlled and guaranteed designation of origin". This is intended to guarantee that Chianti Classico really can only come from the defined area of the appellation and has been produced in accordance with certain production regulations.

Incidentally, the other groups according to Italian wine law are DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata), IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) and Vini Generici (formerly known as Vino da Tavola), with the DOCG group representing the highest quality level.

The quality pyramid in Chianti Classico

There are three quality levels within the Chianti Classico appellation:

• Chianti Classico (Annata) DOCG

• Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG

• Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG

Roughly speaking, these three categories are distinguished by different production regulations.

Chianti Classico DOCG

The word "Annata" is not an official designation; the lowest level of the quality pyramid is officially simply called "Chianti Classico". In Italian usage - and many winemakers - like to call the wine in the basic category "Annata", which actually means "vintage". In this context, however, the "basic Chianti Classico" is meant.

Chianti Classico must be made from at least 80 percent Sangiovese, but it may also be 100 percent. The minimum alcohol content must be 12.0% and the basic Chianti Classico must mature in the cellar for at least one year before it can be sold on the market.

Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG

Chianti Classico Riserva does not differ greatly from Chianti Classico in terms of production regulations. The same regulations apply with regard to the composition and ratio of grapes used and pressed as for Chianti Classico. A minimum alcohol content of 12.5% is required, but a significantly longer ageing period in the cellar, namely at least 24 months. The wine must have matured in the bottle for at least three months before it can be sold.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG

This category has only existed in Chianti Classico since 2013. This group of wines represents the top of the quality pyramid in the wine-growing region. It is often the best grapes from a winery or the grapes from a particularly good single vineyard that are used for this wine. However, there was a change in the production regulations with the 2020 vintage. Previously, before 2020, 80 to 100 percent Sangiovese was permitted, and if less than 100 percent was used, both the listed autochthonous or international grape varieties could be added.

With the 2020 vintage and the accompanying introduction of the UGA (Unità Geografiche
Aggiuntive), a further classification of origin, the minimum proportion of Sangiovese was increased to 90% and blending with international grape varieties was prohibited. Only grape varieties that are native to Tuscany, i.e. Canaiolo, Colorino, Pugnitello, Malvasia Nera, Mammolo and Sanforte, are permitted as a cuvée. In addition, the grapes must come exclusively from the estate's own vineyards and may not be bought in. The minimum alcohol content is 13.0% and the minimum ageing period is 30 months, of which at least 3 months must be spent in the bottle.

And what does Chianti Classico taste like?

Of course, this is very difficult to generalize. The nuances of taste depend on many different factors: Soil, climate, orientation and slope, weather conditions during the vegetation phase, philosophy, approach and cellar equipment of the winery, organic or conventional cultivation and many more.

However, it can be said that Chianti Classico usually reveals fruity and spicy aromas reminiscent of cherries, dark fruits and berries, juniper and pepper, but also violets. When drunk, Chianti Classico likes to present itself with strong tannins and an acidity full of character. Generally speaking, the result is a fruity, easy-drinking wine that is an excellent accompaniment to a good meal, especially cheese and meat dishes. But the variety and possibilities are vast.

By the way: Chianti Classico is always a "dry red wine" as defined by European wine legislation.

When is the best time to drink Chianti Classico?

When I am asked this, I like to answer with a story from one of my teachers during my wine training: "The best thing to do is to buy 12 to 18 bottles of a wine and open one bottle every year. If you find that the wine tasted better the previous year than it does now, then you know that you should have drunk all of last year's wine". Of course, this is a bit of a joke, but there is some truth behind it.

In general, however, it can be said that thanks to the enormous efforts and endeavors of the winegrowers in terms of vine planting, cultivation and cellar technology, Chianti Classico has experienced an enormous general leap in quality in recent decades.

In the past, the Annata, i.e. the basic Chianti Classico, should be drunk within a very short time, a maximum of seven years after the harvest. This has changed completely today. Of course, factors such as vintage, i.e. the conditions during the vegetation phase, ageing and also the "good hand of the cellar master" play a not insignificant role in the quality in the bottle. I also think that the higher the proportion of Sangiovese, the longer the wine can be stored.

I am happy to describe that Chianti Classico can still be drunk very well after 10 years, but Chianti Classico Riserva and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione can also be stored for 20 to 30 years - under good conditions.

Why should you try Chianti Classico?

Quite simply: because I recommend this wine to you! Chianti Classico offers an incredible variety and the possibilities for discovery are almost endless.

Personally, I always advise starting with a Chianti Classico DOCG. This category can be found at a very good price-performance ratio, and you often find "a lot of wine" for your money in the glass.

I am often asked about "good vintages". The same applies here: taste your way through. There haven't been any really "bad" vintages in Chianti Classico in the last decade. And each of us has our own personal favorite taste. The journey is the reward, isn't it?

I am often quoted as saying: "Chianti Classico is a food companion and not a fireside wine". This means that I personally prefer a good glass of Chianti Classico with a meal. And that applies to all three quality levels, simply adapted to the food. Thank goodness there are the so-called "SuperTuscans" for the fireplace.

I also do not recommend drinking Chianti Classico at room temperature, as is often claimed for red wine. Chianti Classico develops perfectly between 16° C and 18° C. If you don't have a wine cabinet, as most of us do, put the bottle in the fridge for an hour. Then your Sangiovese wine will be at the perfect drinking temperature.

The same applies to wine glasses: "very large" wine glasses are often used for red wines. Chianti Classico, or Sangiovese wines in general, tick a little differently. Start with a white wine glass and keep trying a glass one size larger. At some point, you will find that your personal taste is the best.

Viva il Chianti Classico!