LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
APPELATIONS
Nestled between the art-rich cities of Florence and Siena lies the renowned wine region of Chianti Classico DOCG. This picturesque Tuscan enclave is characterized by rolling hills, ancient olive groves, and vineyards that have whispered tales of winemaking for centuries. The area's unique environmental makeup, with altitudes ranging between 250 and 600 meters and a favorable climate, provides an ideal terroir for grape cultivation.
The heart and soul of Chianti Classico is the Sangiovese grape. This noble variety embodies the region's passion, producing wines that are a harmonious blend of robust flavors and elegant tannins. While Sangiovese stands proud as the dominant grape, its versatility shines in the various wine classifications of the region.
Chianti Classico "Rosso" represents the most straightforward expression of Sangiovese from this region, offering vibrant and youthful flavors. The "Rosso Riserva" wines, having undergone longer aging, present deeper complexities and richer structures, capturing the essence of the terrain and the finesse of time. At the pinnacle of the region's offerings stands the "Gran Selezione." These wines are sourced from the finest vineyard parcels, undergoing rigorous aging and reflecting the utmost quality and depth that Chianti Classico can achieve.
In every bottle from Chianti Classico, one can taste the devotion to the land and the unending quest for excellence, making it a timeless symbol of Italian wine heritage.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
Chianti Classico DOCG is a wine region nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. Spanning between the historic and art-rich cities of Florence to the north and Siena to the south, it occupies the core of the broader Chianti wine region. The landscape of Chianti Classico is a picturesque tapestry of rolling hills, cypress tree-lined roads, medieval hamlets, and terracotta-roofed villas. Dotted with ancient olive groves and expansive vineyards, this region captures the very essence of Tuscany's rural charm.
Owing to its central location in Tuscany, Chianti Classico enjoys a temperate climate, moderated by the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west. The diverse soil types and varying altitudes within the region contribute to the distinctiveness of its wines. Over centuries, this land has been celebrated not just for its beauty, but also for its historic significance in the world of viticulture, with its winemaking traditions stretching back to Etruscan times. The designation "Classico" underlines this region's status as the original and most authentic area of Chianti production.
The climate of Chianti Classico DOCG is a pivotal element in sculpting the region's renowned wines. Characterized as a temperate Mediterranean climate, the region benefits from warm, sun-drenched summers and mild, wet winters. The Tyrrhenian Sea, lying to the west, plays a crucial role, casting gentle maritime breezes that regulate temperature extremes and bestow a certain freshness to the grapes.
The intricate topography of Chianti Classico, with its undulating hills and valleys, further refines its climatic identity. Higher altitude vineyards often experience cooler nights, which introduce a diurnal temperature variation, essential for preserving acidity and aromatic compounds in the grapes. Conversely, vineyards nestled in valleys or lower altitudes might receive more warmth, promoting ripeness and concentration of flavors.
This harmonious interplay of warm days, cool nights, and maritime influences ensures a longer growing season, allowing grapes to mature slowly and evenly. It's this delicate balance that imparts Chianti Classico wines with their signature vibrancy, depth, and complexity. The climate, in tandem with the region's unique terroir, truly encapsulates the essence of every bottle that hails from Chianti Classico DOCG.
The soils of Chianti Classico DOCG offer a rich tapestry of diversity, each lending unique characteristics to the wines birthed from them. This varied soil composition is central to the region's wine identity, infusing every bottle with nuances that are a testament to the land.
Sangiovese, the illustrious grape of Italy, is most notably recognized in its prestigious role as the backbone of the Chianti Classico DOCG wines.The Sangiovese grape is medium-sized with a thin skin, which imparts a characteristic translucent ruby hue to its wines. The thin skin also contributes to its relatively high susceptibility to viticultural hazards, demanding meticulous care and attention. Yet, when nurtured in the right environment, particularly in the sun-drenched terrains of Chianti Classico, the results are wines of unparalleled grace and authenticity.
Venturing into the glass, Sangiovese unravels a captivating aromatic tapestry. Its bouquet is often a harmonious medley of red cherries, fresh plums, and wild strawberries, underscored by hints of dried roses, earthy tobacco, and delicate spices. On the palate, this grape delivers a vibrant acidity paired with firm yet refined tannins, embodying both the rustic charm and the finesse of Tuscany. Each sip resonates with undertones of tomato leaf, leather, and often a touch of iron mineral bite, creating a layered and enduring tasting experience. It's this dynamic aromatic and flavor profile that makes Sangiovese the centerpiece of Chianti Classico, celebrating the grape's intrinsic connection to its Tuscan homeland.
Chianti Classico DOCG, one of Italy's wine jewels, presents a fascinating spectrum of wines, each showcasing the region's dedication to quality and tradition. At its heart is the Sangiovese grape, which, in combination with other authorized red grapes, forms the foundational structure of these wines, exuding a harmonious blend of vibrancy and depth.