Chianti Classico Wine Country Guide

Chianti Classico, the original geographical Chianti area, is a testament to the harmonious blend of nature and history. Its rolling Tuscan hills, diverse microclimates, and terroir create an environment where vines thrive, surrounded by olive groves and forests. This biodiverse landscape is not just a backdrop; it's an integral part of what makes Chianti Classico wines distinct.

Dating back to 1716, Chianti Classico is among the first officially recognized wine regions in the world. This heritage is symbolized by the Black Rooster, the iconic emblem of Chianti Classico, representing the authenticity and quality of wines from this historic region.

The wines of Chianti Classico stand out for their quality – from the well-balanced Chianti Classico, the deeper and more complex Chianti Classico Riserva, to the pinnacle of quality, the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. Each level offers a unique expression of this region's rich winemaking tradition.

Despite its rich history, Chianti Classico is constantly innovating, now showcasing its finest wines under the new geographical system of UGAs (Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive), further elevating its storied tradition with modern precision.

But Chianti Classico's story isn't just about red wines. The region also prides itself on Vin Santo del Chianti Classico, a dessert wine with a history reaching back to the Middle Ages, offering a taste of the region's rich and diverse winemaking legacy.

Dive into our guide to explore Chianti Classico in depth. Discover the wineries and wines that make this region unique, and experience the essence of a wine heritage that has been cherished for centuries.

Fun facts about Chianti Classico

• The territory of Chianti Classico covers 172,900 acres (70,000 hectares).
• 24,200 acres (9,800 ha) of vines, 16,800 acres (6,800 ha) of which are used for Chianti Classico DOCG wines.
• 35-38 million bottles of Chianti Classico are produced each year. For comparison, Bordeaux produces 650 million bottles each year.
• Chianti Classico was first demarcated in 1716 by Cosimo III de’ Medici.
• Sangiovese is the most planted grape.
• Chianti Classico red wines must be made with at least 80% Sangiovese.
• There are more than 345 wineries in Chianti Classico.
• From Florence, you can be in the vineyards of this region in a 40 minute drive.
• Latitude in Chianti Classico is similar to southern Oregon at 43.5°N.
• People have been growing grapes here for over 3000 years.
• Chianti Classico became a DOCG in 1984.
• The highest elevation is Monte San Michele and is 2900 feet (893 m) above sea level.
• Vin Santo del Chianti Classico became a DOC in 1997.

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SOURCES

♦ Chianti Classico - Official Site