Chianti Classico

Chianti Classico is the historic heart of the Chianti region and is among Italy's most recognizable Sangiovese wines. The hills between Florence and Siena produce elegant, structured red wines with depth, freshness, and a distinct aromatic character. Thanks to the chalky soils, high altitude, and centuries of winemaking tradition, Chianti Classico is considered the pure and authentic form of Tuscan Sangiovese worldwide.

What is Chianti Classico?

Chianti Classico is a red wine from the oldest and most prestigious part of the Chianti zone. It must be made primarily from Sangiovese grapes and falls under the strict DOCG regulations. Chianti Classico is known for its vibrant acidity, bright red cherry, floral notes, fine tannins, and elegant, balanced structure. The wine is also recognizable by the symbol of the Gallo Nero , the black rooster that guarantees its origins in the historic heartland.

Origin and vineyards

The Chianti Classico region lies between Florence and Siena and features hills with a mix of galestro (weathered schist), albarese (limestone), and clay. The region is situated at a higher elevation than many surrounding Chianti zones and benefits from cooler nights and a longer ripening period.

Important municipalities within Chianti Classico are:

• Castellina in Chianti – firm tannins and lots of tension.
• Gaiole in Chianti – elegant, refined styles due to differences in height.
• Greve in Chianti – fruity, harmonious wines.
• Radda in Chianti – high altitude and cool, with energetic and fresh Sangiovese.

The combination of altitude, chalky soils and the Tuscan climate produces wines with a perfect balance of fruit, acidity and structure.

Styles and vinification

Chianti Classico consists exclusively of red wine, but has three official quality levels.

Chianti Classico Annata

The “classic” style, fresh and fruit-driven.

• Maturation: minimum 12 months
• Grapes: min. 80% Sangiovese, max 20% permitted red grapes
• Style: bright red fruit, floral notes, lively structure

Chianti Classico Riserva

More depth due to longer maturation.

• Maturation: minimum 24 months, of which 3 months in the bottle
• Grapes: min. 80% Sangiovese, max 20% permitted red grapes
• Style: riper fruit, spicy nuances, more tannins and length

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Top segment from selected vineyards.

• Maturation: minimum 30 months , of which 3 months in bottle
• Grapes: 90% Sangiovese, max 10% of native red grapes
  Grapes must be sourced from the estate and bottled there. In addition, single vineyard or selection of the best grapes is used.
• Ability to add the Additional Geographical Unit on the label
• Excellent organoleptic properties
• Style: Powerful, layered, impressive ageing potential

Winemakers use both traditional large Slavonian barrels and modern French barriques. The choice of oak significantly determines the wine's structure, spice, and depth, but Sangiovese always remains the star with its fresh acidity and elegant profile.

Storage and serving

• Annata : 3–7 years
• Riserva : 6–12 years
• Gran Selezione : 10–20 years or more

Serve Chianti Classico at 16–18 degrees and decant young or structured wines to fully develop the aromas.

Buy Chianti Classico at Perfectewijn.nl

At Perfecte Wijn, you'll find Chianti Classico in every style: from accessible Annata to impressive Riserva and Gran Selezione. Each wine is selected for its purity, regional expression, and the character of Tuscan Sangiovese.