Chianti Classico

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Accessory grape varieties

Terroir

• The Chianti Classico territory is a complex of hills with elevations ranging from 200 to 600 metres above sea level, with slopes that are not prolonged but are at times steep.
• Geologically, the core of the region is a shield of argillaceous schists (galestro) with inclusions of scaly clays alternating with alberese and fine calcareous sandstones.
• The soil is shallow and young, ranging from clay-sandy to gravelly with moderate clay content, low organic matter, and a limited presence of available phosphorus.
• Vineyards situated on waterlogged soils, valley floors, and land dominated by Pliocene clays or strongly clayey soils are considered unsuitable for cultivation. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
• The climate is continental, with very low winter temperatures and dry summers, appreciable diurnal temperature ranges, and annual rainfall of around 850 mm.
• The hilly topography gives rise to watercourses with a torrential regime and considerable difficulty in water management, also in relation to specific rainfall patterns.

• In 1932, a decree recognised the right of wines from the oldest zone of origin, Chianti, to use the designation 'Classico', as they were produced within the historic area.
• The traditional training systems are the guyot ('archetto toscano') and the spur-pruned cordon, with grape and wine yields per hectare among the lowest in Italy, set at 75 quintals of grapes corresponding to 52.50 hl of wine.

• Chianti Classico is aromatic, fruity, and round, deep red in colour, with a dry, sapid palate, good structure, and moderate acidity.
• Chianti Classico displays a floral bouquet of iris and violet typical of sandy soils, with an aroma of wild berries deriving from the calcareous component.

• High summer temperatures, sunshine persisting through September and October, and strong diurnal temperature ranges allow the grapes to ripen slowly, shaping the typical organoleptic and chemical characteristics of the wine, in particular its colour, bouquet, and alcoholic strength.
• The low yield of grapes per hectare acts on the fruit, producing a sugar level consistent with alcoholic strengths that do not fall below 12 degrees.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

All appellations in Italy

Sources

• Specification (EUR-Lex, single document)
• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-IT-A1235
• Official trade body site — Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico