Chianti Classico DOCG

Chianti Classico See Toscana (historic center) map, ref #4

469690989-Tuscan hills and vineyards

Region:
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: 7,200 ha / 17,800 acres (2017, C)
Production: 278,000 hl / 3,090,000 cases (2016)
Principal Red Grape Varieties: Sangiovese
Styles and Wine Composition:
RED WINES
  • Rosso (Rd): Minimum 80% Sangiovese (locally Sangioveto) + OARG
  • Riserva (Rosso)
  • Gran Selezione (Rosso)

Significant Production Rules:
  • 177406391-Autumn in ChiantiMaximum 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: 03/07/2014

Note: The new top category for Chianti Classico wines—Gran Selezione—was approved by the European Commission in February 2014 and is now available for qualifying wines from the 2010 vintage onward (and for a few wines from earlier vintages by special approval).