Chianti is Italy's most wiedely sold wine under the
DOCG classification. Classico is the original production zone that
is located between Florence and Siena qualifying for its own DOCG.
Seven other Chianti DOCG subregions are (1) Colli Aretini, (2) Colli
Fiorentini, (3) Colli Senesi, (4) Colline Pisane, (5) Montalbano,
(6) Montespertoli and (7) Rufina.
Chianti was originally a red blend with white grapes
according to Italian wine laws but producers successfully argued to
reduce or eliminate white grapes from the blend. Some Chianti is still
blended but other Chiantis are 100% Sangiovese.
The blending formula is 75-100% Sangiovese with up
to 10% Canaiolo, 6% of Malvasia and Trebbiano (white grapes) and not
more than 10% of several nontraditional grapes. The blending formula
for Chianto Classico is 85-100% Sangiovese with up to 10% Canaiolo,
up to 6% Malvasia and Trebbiano and not more than 15% of nontraditional
varieties.
Chianti Normale has no identifying regions and is
meant for immediate consumption. Chianti may be consummed in March
following harvest but Rufina and Colli Fiorentina Chianti's may not
be released until June following harvest.
Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico Riserva, however,
have stricter guidelines and needs better grpaes, lower yields and
specific aging periods: Chianti Classico requires
a minimum of 12% alcohol and cannot be released until October of the
following harvest. Chianti Superiore requires two years and three
months of aging with an alcohol content of 12% while Chianti Classico
Riserva must be 12.5% alcohol and as Superiore must be aged two years
and three months.
Classic production areas: Tuscany,
Italy.
