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Chianti Classico: The Ultimate Wine Lover’s Destination

  • Blanca Valbuena
  • December 1, 2014

I grew up in a New Jersey town where a large percentage of the population was Italian. Seeing backyards full of grapevines was not an uncommon sight. Wine was made in garages and bottles of Chianti bought at stores usually came in a fiasco..you know it ” the glass bottle wrapped on the bottom by straw. If that bottle is what you think of when you hear the word Chianti, get ready, because Chianti Classico is here to change your mind.

We were recently invited by the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico to tour the region, get to know the people behind the bottles, and most importantly taste the juice in the bottles. Videographer/Director J. Michael Reilly visited the region in order to give you a video tour of the wineries in Chianti, help you get to know the land, the people, and the wines of Chianti Classico. This first video is just a teaser at what we have in store for you in the coming weeks.

What Makes a Chianti “Classico”?

Unlike the new world where wineries can slap almost any name on a label, every wine that comes from the Chianti region is not Chianti Classico. On top of that, every Chianti Classico is not a Chianti Classico Riserva. There are specific rules and regulations that must be followed in order for a wine to bear the name Chianti Classico DOCG on the label. Let’s go through those before you start on your Chianti adventure.

  • Chianti Classico is one of the seven subregions within Chianti which is the larger region (like saying Napa instead of California)

  • Any wine that bears the name Chianti Classico DOCG must come from the Chianti Classico area.

  • Chianti Classico wine must be made up of 80% for Sangiovese grape

  • The remaining 20% may be made up of either Canaiolo, Colorino (both native grapes), or international grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

  • Chianti Classico must be at least 12% alcohol

  • Winemaking and bottling must happen in the production zone

  • Wine cannot be released prior to October 1

  • Chianti Classico Riserva must be aged for 24 months, 3 of which must be bottle fining and have at least 12.5% alcohol

  • Chianti Classico Riserva makes up around 20% of Chianti Classico wines. The best grapes from the region are selected during harvest for its production.

Chianti Classico: The Ultimate Wine Lover’s Destination
In order for a wine to own the title of “Chianti Classico” it must be made of at least 80% Sangiovese grapes

About Sangiovese

There would be no Chianti Classico without Sangiovese. It is the heart and soul of Chianti, and winemakers in the area can use anywhere from 80% to 100% Sangiovese in the wines. It’s a delicate grape which can be affected by the soil it is planted on, the weather in the area…which in turn means it directly translates the region and the growing conditions into the drinker’s glass.

Although the wines of Chianti Classico are usually characterized by notes of violets, they vary greatly from winery to winery, from winemaker to winemaker, from one plot to another. The soil, the touch of the winemaker, and the weather all have a say into what ends up in the bottle.

Chianti Classico Vineyard at Barone Ricasoli
The vineyards in Chianti Classico are situated in Tuscany Italy. What makes a wine a “Classico” is a special set of rules and regulations to protect the quality of the name.

Why You Will Love Chianti Classico

Besides being delicious, most of the wines we tasted were incredibly food friendly. They were high in acid, yet subtle which means they do not overpower food. They were elegant and managed to maintain balance. The tannins in the wines structured the wines and added interest. On a whole, there were notes of cherries, and violets. Chianti Classico is an exciting region.

The Chianti Classico Rooster  Label
You can easily recognize a true Chianti Classico wine if it has the iconic Black Rooster on the label.

How to Recognize a Chianti Classico Wine

The labels of Chianti Classico will give you clues as to whether the wine fits the rules and regulations of Chianti Classico:

  • Look for the words “Chianti Classico”PLUS “Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita”

  • The label MUST include the year when the grapes were produced (this is called vintage)

  • If you see words like extra, fine, select, selected, superiore, or old, the wine is not a true Chianti Classico.

Stay tuned for J. Michael’s chats with Chianti Classico’s wine makers and more on the region coming soon.

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