Country
Region
Sub-region
Producer
Wine type
Volume
Rating
Vintage
Packaging
Price
Contact
Ask a question
Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico covers the original Chianti area between Florence and Siena. Sangiovese forms the basis; the black rooster on the neck refers to the historic alliance between the two cities.
Our range includes Chianti Classico by producers including Fontodi, Fèlsina, Castello di Brolio and Mazzei. If you would like to explore Tuscany further, you will also find Super Tuscan, Brunello di Montalcino and Bolgheri in our range.
Grape and style
Chianti Classico is mainly sangiovese, often supplemented with small amounts of local or international grapes. The wine is dry, with high acidity, firm tannins and aromas of cherries, violets, herbs, tomato leaf and earth. It is a distinctly food-friendly wine that is lively in its youth and becomes softer and more complex with age. The style varies: some producers opt for classic ageing in large wooden casks, others use smaller barriques and make a riper, more concentrated profile.
Location and soil
Chianti Classico is the historic heartland of Chianti, between Florence and Siena. The hills lie at varying altitudes and the soil consists mainly of galestro, a crumbly, schist-like marl, and alberese, a hard limestone. Higher vineyards generally yield fresher, finer wines, while lower and warmer spots provide more power. Thanks to this variation, the communes, such as Radda, Gaiole, Castellina and Greve, each have a character of their own.
Classification and rules
Chianti Classico is a DOCG and can be recognised by the black rooster, the Gallo Nero, on the label. There are three levels. The Annata is the basic quality, the Riserva is aged for longer, and the Gran Selezione is the top, made from the estate’s own grapes. This last category is newer and not uncontroversial, but is regarded as the highest quality designation. Anyone looking for newer styles can look at Super Tuscan.
Ageing and serving
An Annata is often ready to drink within a few years, whereas Riserva and Gran Selezione can age for several years, sometimes decades. Serve Chianti Classico at around 16 °C; a quarter of an hour to an hour in a decanter can help young wines. The acidity makes it an excellent partner for tomato dishes, pasta with ragù, pizza, grilled sausage, roast chicken and mature pecorino.
Producers in our range
These producers feature in our Chianti Classico range: Fontodi (Vigna del Sorbo and Terrazze San Leolino), Fèlsina (Berardenga Rancia), Castello di Brolio, Mazzei (Fonterutoli) and Ipsus (Il Caggio).
More from Tuscany
You will find more wines from Tuscany under Super Tuscan, Brunello di Montalcino and Bolgheri.