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What's the Difference between Chianti Classico and Chianti Wine?

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Chianti Wine

Chianti wine is an Italian red wine from central Tuscany predominantly made from the Sangiovese grape. Wine has been made here for over 2000 years dating back to the Etruscans. The origins of the name are not clear; some sources say Chianti means “water” from the Etruscan word “change” since the region is so rich in water sources.


Where is the Chianti Region?

The Chianti DOCG region is located in central Tuscany and includes 7 subzones. These subzones are Chianti Rufini, Colli Senesi, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Aretini, Colline Pisane, Montespertoli, and Montalbano. The borders of the region were officially designated in 1716 by the Gran duke Cosimo III de' Medici. 


Within the region, there is a lot of variation of soils, elevations, and microclimates. For example, Chianti wines from Colli Senesi are often more fruity and softer than wines from Chianti Rufini. This is because most Chianti Rufini vineyards sit at a higher elevation where temperatures are cooler.


Chianti Classico

Chianti Classico refers to the oldest part of the wider Chianti region. The Chianti Classico DOCG region includes 14 municipalities which are predominantly located between the cities of Florence and Siena. Top producers of Chianti Classico wines include Castello di Ama and Castello di Volpaia.


Chianti Classico wine must be made in these designated areas and they also must be made from at least 80% Sangiovese grapes. The remaining 20% of the blend can include international varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon or indigenous Chianti varieties like Canaiolo and Colorino. Many top producers use 100% Sangiovese. Chianti Classico wines have a reputation for being complex, structured, and evolving beautifully over time if cellared correctly.


What is Chianti Classico Riserva?

Chianti Classico Riserva wines must be made within the Chianti Classico DOCG region. They must be matured for at least 24 months, including at least 3 months of bottle fining. Chianti Classico wines must also have a minimum ABV of 12.5%.


What is Chianti Classico Gran Selezione?

The requirements for Chianti Classico Gran Selezione wines are even stricter. They must contain at least 90% Sangiovese and 10% native red grape varieties which can only come from 11 specific subzones of Chianti Classico. Chianti Classico Gran Selezione wines must also be aged for at least 30 months including 3 months in the bottle.


What’s the Difference Between Chianti and Chianti Classico?

Here are these below mention the major differences between Chianti and Chianti Classico:

Regions

Chianti Classico wines come from a narrower geographical region than Chianti wines. The terroir in this region is considered superior to the wider Chianti region. One reason for this is that Chianti Classico vineyards are planted at higher elevations than Chianti DOCG; typical elevations here are between 250 to 600 meters above sea level. Generally, the terroir across the Chianti Classico region is more uniform than Chianti DOCG since it is a smaller area.


Characteristics

Winemakers making Chianti Classico DOCG wines are also subject to stricter rules than those bottling under Chianti DOCG. For example, Chianti Classico wines must have a minimum ABV of 12% whereas Chianti DOCG requires a minimum of 10% ABV. 


Chianti Classico wines also require a higher minimum percentage of Sangiovese (80%) than Chianti DOCG (70%). Chianti DOCG may also contain up to 10% of the white wine varieties Malvasia and Trebbiano, whereas no white varieties are permitted for Chianti Classico.


Aging Requirements

Chianti DOCG wines tend to be younger and fresher than their Chianti Classico counterparts. Many are released in early March the year after the harvest. Chianti Classico wines can only be released for consumption no sooner than October 1st of the year after the grapes are harvested.


Chianti Classico DOCG Labelling

You can immediately spot the difference between Chianti vs. Chianti Classico wines by the distinctive Chianti Classico labels. Chianti Classico wines feature a black rooster inside a burgundy-coloured circle which bears the words “Chianti Classico dal 1716”. The rooster is a reference to a legendary 13th-century race between Florence and Siena to settle ownership of the Chianti wine region. 


According to the tale, a knight would set off from each city when the rooster sang at dawn. The meeting point of the knights would mark the new borders. On the day of the race, the Florentines cheated by not feeding their rooster which sang earlier and gave their knight a head start. The Chianti Classico Consortium selected the rooster as their symbol and now it is found on all bottles produced under the Chianti Classico DOCG label.


What Does Chianti Classico and Chianti Wine Taste Like?

Many Chianti wines are made to be simple, affordable, and easy to drink. Chianti Classico wines are more serious, structured, and complex; the best examples are capable of ageing for decades in the cellar. Chianti Classico wines have a distinctive flavour profile of cherry, violets, and dried herbs as well as distinctive mineral notes linked to the terroir. Chianti wines often have a straightforward character with more bright cherry notes and are lighter-bodied.


Best Chianti Classico Wines

When you go to buy wine online, be sure to look out for the following best Chianti Classico wines:


Castello di Ama

Located in Gaiole in Chianti 12 miles northeast of Siena, Castello di Ama is one of the region’s iconic producers. In total they have 90 hectares of vines planted on the gentle rolling hills of Gaiole. Their top wine is L’Apparita which is crafted from 100% Merlot selected from two parcels at the top of their Bellavista vineyard. Also from this vineyard is their magnificent Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Vigneto Bellavista Gran Selezione has been produced by the estate since 1982 . This superb Chianti Classico is composed of Sangiovese plus a little Malvasia Nera and is capable of aging in the cellar for decades.


Castello di Volpaia

The heritage of Castello di Volpaia dates back to 1172, but today the estate is owned by the Mascheroni Stianti family. They have around 45 hectares planted at over 400 metres above sea level on sandstone soils which help craft elegant and age-worthy Chianti Classico wines. Amongst their top wines is the Gran Selezione Coltassala which comes from Volpaia’s oldest vineyard.


Fontodi

Fontodi has a special setting in a valley just south of Panzano called “Conca d’Oro” or “The Golden Shell” because of its amphitheater-like shape. The estate is certified as organic and has 70 hectares of vineyards. Their top-rated Vigna del Sorbo Gran Selezione is made from 100% Sangiovese carefully selected from 55-year-old vines. It’s a fantastic example of modern-day Chianti Classico and a wine that will age very well in the cellar over the next decade or so. 


Conclusion


Chianti and Chianti Classico wines offer everything from fruity, easy-drinking reds to iconic masterpieces that can age for decades in the cellar. In this versatile Italian region, there’s truly something for every occasion, whether you’re looking for everyday enjoyment or something to tuck away for a future celebration.


Ready to explore Chianti for yourself? Peruse our curated collection of Chianti Classico wines, including iconic producers like Castello di Ama, Castello di Volpaia, and Fontodi. 


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