Chianti Classico Wines
Sangiovese is the star of Chianti Classico, from the fruity style of Annata to the aged Gran Selezione. The region also boasts the esteemed dessert wine Vin Santo.
The essence of Chianti Classico is embodied in Sangiovese, creating a diverse range of wines. All red wines in Chianti Classico must be made with at least 80% Sangiovese. You’ll find high tannins and acid, with red fruit flavors alongside floral and savory flavors from this grape.
Besides Sangiovese, Chianti Classico may contain native grapes, such as Canaiolo and Colorino, and international grapes, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Depending on its origin and winemaking, you can find 3 main styles of red wines in Chianti Classico and even a revered dessert wine.
Chianti Classico
The most fruit driven, easy to drink, with little or no time in oak, expect bright red cherry aromas, subtle herbs, and a hint of savoriness.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Fruity with subtly integrated oak that supports the wine's structure and consistency without overpowering. Expect red cherry fruit and hints of subtle clove and spice from oak.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
These are robust wines, enhanced by selective grape sourcing and extended aging. This process brings out their balance, harmony, and depth of flavor. The prominent fruitiness on the palate, combined with complex aromas, marks their clear potential for aging.
Vin Santo del Chianti Classico
Complex and age-worthy dessert wines made with both red and white dried grapes and aged in small oak barrels. Expect honey, nuts, dried fruits, spice, and searing acidity that balances the sweetness.
Chianti Classico Wine Facts
- Chianti Classico red wines must be made with at least 80% Sangiovese.
- Other than Sangiovese, 49 different grape varieties can be used to make up the final 20% of the blend in Riserva and Annata style wines.
- Annata style Chianti Classico wines must be aged for 12 months.
- Riserva wines must be aged for 24 months.
- Gran Selezione wines must be aged for 30 months.
- In Gran Selezione wines, Sangiovese must account for 90% of the blend, with a maximum of 10% made up of indigenous red grapes.
- There are 35-38 million bottles of red Chianti Classico produced each year - that's almost 12 Olympic-sized swimming pools of wine!
- Gran Selezione wines only account for 6% of the total production.
- The permitted grape yield in the vineyards is 7.5 tonnes per hectare (that’s low!)
- Chianti Classico became a DOCG in 1984.