Chianti Classico DOCG

Note: Important changes to the rules for Chianti Classico DOCG for the Gran Selezione level only were approved in July 2023, though they are being phased in over the next few years. Eight UGAs (subareas within the denomination) are now in effect, with three more to be added later, and the minimum percentage of Sangiovese will be increased to 90% with the 2027 vintage. Read more here

Region: Toscana

Synopsis

Region:

Toscana,

History: Established as a subzone of the Chianti DOC in 1967, which became a DOCG in 1984; Chianti Classico became a separate DOCG in 1996

Vineyard Area: 5,122 ha / 12,651 acres (2021)

Production: 264,700 hl / 2,941,000 cases (5-year average)

Principal Red Grape Varieties:

Sangiovese

Styles and Wine Composition

RED WINES

Rosso or “Annata” (Rd): Minimum 80% Sangiovese (locally Sangioveto) + OARG
Riserva (Rosso)
Gran Selezione (Rosso)—transitioning to a new standard of minimum 90% Sangiovese in 2027 (see note below)

Subzones and Other Geographic Terms

Unitá geografiche aggiuntive (“additional geographical units” or UGAs) for Gran Selezione only:

Lamole—a small portion of the commune of Greve in Chianti east of Panzano
Castellina—the commune of Castellina in Chianti
Castelnuovo Berardenga—the northern portion of the commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga
Gaiole—the commune of Gaiole in Chianti
Greve—the northern and eastern portions of the commune of Greve in Chianti
Panzano—the southwestern corner of the commune of Greve in Chianti
Radda—the commune of Radda in Chianti
San Casciano—the commune of San Casciano in Val di Pesa
San Donato in Poggio—the western half of the commune of Barberino Tavarnelle along with the northern tip of Poggibonsi
Three additional UGAs (Lamole, Montefioralle, and Vagliagli) will become available with the 2027 vintage (see note below)

Significant Production Rules

Maximum vineyard elevation: 700 m (2,300 ft)
Grapes for Gran Selezione can be harvested only from the winery’s own vineyards
Minimum alcohol level: 12.0% for Rosso; 12.5% for Riserva; 13.0% for Gran Selezione
Residual sugar: Maximum 4 g/l (0.4%)
Aging: For Rosso, minimum approx. 1 year (ERD = October 1, V+1); for Riserva, minimum 24 months, including 3 months in bottle (ERD = January 1, V+3); for Gran Selezione, minimum 30 months, including 3 months in bottle (ERD = July 1, V+3)

Last Disciplinare Modification:

07/01/2023

Notes:

Note: New quality-promoting standards have been approved for Chianti Classico wines at the Gran Selezione level only, but do not take effect until the 2027 vintage. Under the new rules, Gran Selezione wines will require a minimum of 90% Sangiovese rather than the current 80%. In addition, only eight other native grape varieties can be used in the blend (up to a maximum of 10% total): Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo, Colorino, Foglia Tonda, Malvasia Nera, Mammolo, Pugnitello, and/or Sanforte. Wineries are, of course, allowed to start following these standards before 2027.

Also beginning in 2027, the following UGAs will become effective for Gran Selezione wine labels (including those from earlier vintages that meet the new criteria):

Lamole—a small portion of the commune of Greve in Chianti east of Panzano
Montefioralle—a small portion of the commune of Greve in Chianti north of Panzano
Vagliagli—the northwestern portion of the commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga