Definition: Chianti DOCG

The most famous appellation in Italy, covering approximately 70,000 hectares between Florence and Siena from north to south and from the Apennine Mountains to the mountains on the east coast to the west. Noble and delicate landscapes make Tuscany a favourite region: mountains and hills with harmonious, clear curves under pure light, where forests and vineyards combine with the serenity of cypresses and pines. The majestic beauty of Tuscany may have made the Chianti appellation too famous. The round-bottomed flask, originally straw-covered, has certainly contributed to this by circulating everywhere. This large basic appellation is subdivided into eight areas in central Tuscany, all of which are entitled to use the name Chianti in their own DOCG appellation. These are:

Chianti Classico, which covers 7,000 hectares between Florence and Siena and includes the towns of Sastellina, Radda and Gaiole. Eighty per cent is produced by members of the consortium, whose emblem is a black rooster on the neck of the bottles. The wines are blended from authorised grape varieties, 75-100% Sangiovese and Sangioveto, 10% Canaiolo maximum, but now also Cabernet, Merlot and Pinot Noir for red grape varieties, the latter replacing the white Trebbiano and Malvasia varieties to make the wine more powerful. The wines are produced in two versions, "annata" (normal), with a black rooster with a red circle, and "riserva" with the same black rooster on a gold background.

The riserva, which has a longer ageing period, must have a minimum alcohol content of 12.5%, with a maturation period of at least 24 months, including 3 months of bottle ageing. The maximum production per hectare is limited to 75 quintals in Chianti Classico and Chianti Superiore. In the seven other regions, it is limited to 80 quintals per hectare, and for generic Chianti to 90 quintals per hectare.

Chianti Colli Aretini, east of Chianti Classico, in the province of Arezzo.

Chianti Colli Fiorentini, in the hills south and east of the city of Florence.

Chianti Colli Senesi, south of Siena, near Montalcino and Montepulciano.

Chianti Colline Pisane, from the hills of Casciana Terme and San Miniato, a milder region south of Livorno.

Chianti Montalbano, west of Florence and south of Pistoia.

Chianti Rufina (not to be confused with the Chianti Ruffino brand), a small region east of Florence, where high-quality Chianti is produced in slightly higher vineyards.

Chianti Montespertoli, the last region to be recognised (1997), west of the Colli Fiorentini.

Unfortunately, the Chianti wines produced by large exporting companies have adopted production standards that are insufficient in terms of quality. Exceptional Chianti wines (Super Tuscans) are only produced in very limited quantities and, if you do find them, you will have to pay a high price.