Chianti or Chianti Classico discover the differences.

Hello wine lovers, 

If you are an Italian wine fan, you must have heard about Chianti’s magnificent wine region in Tuscany. But if you often need clarification on whether a Chianti wine is a Chianti Classico, for example, and you are stuck trying to make sense of the wine lists, this blog is for you. 

The Chianti region’s oldest records date back to 1716 when the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo de’  Medici III, created the “Bando”. This first historical edict delimited clear geographical boundaries for this prominent and prosperous wine region. It included four wine zones, Chianti, Pomino, Carmignano, and Valdarno di Sopra, aiming to protect the reputation of wines produced in these areas.

Nowadays, Chianti and Chianti Classico wines follow very clear and strict rules given by the Consorzio. Still, these previous facts were just given to provide the background of how they started progressing on the structure and regulations of the appellations in the area.

Bando Edict, Cosimo de´Medici III and Chianti Classico Wines

Tuscany often manifests a significant change in vegetation that usually goes unnoticed.

Chianti, located between Siena and Florence, is a diverse region with mixed landscapes. The northern part, near the Apennines, has a cool continental climate, while the southern area, closer to Siena, enjoys a milder and sunnier climate.

Despite being just a few kilometers from Florence, the region’s vegetation contrasts significantly, reflecting multiple microclimates and rich geology.

These differences contribute to the distinct wine styles produced throughout Chianti.

Production Areas Map

Moreover, Chianti has under ten thousand hectares of vines, of which only 13% are dedicated to vineyard planting.

The rest of the area reflects the region’s traditional agricultural heritage, featuring olive groves, woods, and other mixed crops alongside the vineyards.

Montefiorale and Lamole (regions that you can visit in our tours) are notable examples of areas with extensive woodlands, where, in some cases, humans have tamed the terrain through terracing.

Wine Labelling

How to identify them?

All the wine labels must come with the Chianti Classico stamp. The golden strip, or in Italian, Fasceta, indicates the wine category DOCG or DOC with a blue strip.

Picture from: Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico

The Chianti Classico region is precisely located in the heart of this extended territory. It is categorised into three levels, detailed in the table below: Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva, and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, each reflecting increasing levels of exclusivity and quality.

Comparison chart

Table info source: Chianti Classico, The Atlas of Vineyards and Denominations of Origin | Paolo De Cristofaro

With all this being said, I hope you can confidently understand the main concepts and differences between the various production regulations in this region. Of course, there is a lot more to say about Chianti. It takes a lot of work to simplify it in a few words. At Giro, we have an exclusive trip with an exceptional wine educator who will take you for a week, explaining the wines and savoring them so that you gain a greater understanding of this fascinating wine region that has captivated my heart and many others!

Cheers and till the next time!

Love, Giro!