Brief historical notes on the birth of Chianti Classico
From a historical point of view, Chianti Classico is the first example of a denomination ante litteram. Well before the birth of DOC and DOCG, way back in 1716, Grand Duke Cosimo III de’ Medici decided to delimit with a proclamation, for the first time in history, some territories particularly suited to the production of high-quality wines, including Chianti, which today corresponds to Chianti Classico.
The birth of the Consortium for the defense and protection of Chianti dates back to 1924, as does the symbol, the legendary “black rooster”, and is another first in Italy. The suffix “Classico” arrived in 1932, to distinguish the territory of Chianti Classico from that of Chianti produced outside the historical borders, while in 1984 it obtained the DOCG.
Grape varieties allowed by the Regulations
The Regulations of Chianti Classico DOCG, regarding the grape varieties allowed, state:
• Sangiovese from 80% to 100%.
• Red grapes from grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the Tuscany Region may also contribute to the production up to a maximum of 20% of the area registered in the viticultural register.
There are many “suitable grape varieties”, but traditionally the complementary varieties traditionally used are the native Canaiolo and Colorino and the international Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Types provided for by the Regulations and refinement times
The types provided for the Chianti Classico DOCG denomination are:
• Chianti Classico vintage: 1st October following the harvest
• Chianti Classico Riserva: 24 months of refinement of which at least 3 months in the bottle
• Chianti Classico Gran Selezione: 30 months of refinement of which at least 3 months in the bottle