The Wine
Chianti wine draws its character from its land of origin and from Sangiovese, the red grapes that account for a minimum of 80% of the composition of Chianti Classico. It is an elegant, round, velvety wine, with a ruby-red color tending to garnet with maturation, a bouquet of spices and wild berries, and a good structure. The minimum alcohol level required by the production code is 12° for the regular wine, which cannot be released for consumption before October 1 of the year following the harvest, and 12.5° for the Riserva, which must be aged for at least 24 months.
A consortium founded in 1924, now known as the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico, oversees production. It represents about 600 producers who account for 95% of the total production of this wine. The Black Rooster, the historic symbol of the League of Chianti, which functioned in this territory during the 14th century, has always served as Chianti Classico’s trademark. This symbol guarantees the quality of the wine and reflects all the flavor, traditions, and values of the generous land to which it belongs.
Articles about Chianti Wine
Chianti Steps Out of Its Straw Skirt
The New York Times, February 20, 2008
The Chianti region in the hills of Tuscany is the spiritual home of the sangiovese grape. With its black cherry and violet aromas, its earthy mineral flavors, its lively acidity and its sometimes dusty tannins, sangiovese speaks directly from the Italian soul. More …