Tuscany | Chianti

The images that almost everyone thinks of when talking about Tuscany are always those from the heart of Tuscany, the Chianti region. Everyone thinks of the wonderful hilly landscape between Florence and Siena. This is actually today's Chianti Classico area. And - it is quite exactly the area that was defined by Cosimo III of the Medici already in 1716 as the geographical area of Chianti. At that time wine was named after the area in which it was produced. Over the centuries. Chianti as a wine more and more popular and known, which is why there were soon Chianti from all possible regions of Tuscany. In the beginning of the 20th century, even abroad, as Chianti style. So the wine producers got together and founded the first Consorzio to protect Chianti in 1924. Already at that time the black cock became the trademark. In 1932 the area, which was established in 1716, was officially designated the Chianti Classico wine-growing area. The "Gallo Nero" became the Chianti Classico brand.

The regions outside the "Classico" area were divided into sub-regions: Colli Aretini, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colline Pisane, Montalbano, Rufina and in 1997 Montespertoli. Both Chianti and Chianti Classico received the DOCG award in 1984. The production regulations are different for the two DOCG regions. Not only the authorised vine varieties, but also yields and minimum alcohol levels differ considerably.

The main grape varieties from which Chianti is produced are: Sangiovese at least 75%, Canaiolo Nero up to 10%, the two white grape varieties Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia del Chianti up to 10% as well as other permitted red grape varieties up to a maximum of 15% respectively up to 20% for Chianti with subzone indication and/or the additional designation "Superiore". About 15,500 hectares are now cultivated in Chianti.

Chianti Classico must now contain at least 80% Sangiovese, the remaining 20% are autochthonous red grape varieties such as Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo or Colorino, as well as the international Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah varieties. The white grape varieties are now forbidden. However, many producers have long since opted for pure Sangiovese. In addition to the "Annata", as the normal vintage Chianti Classico is called, there is the Riserva, which must be aged for 24 months and the new top wine: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, whose grapes must come from its own vineyards, mainly single vineyards. The maturation period is fixed at at least 30 months. The Chianti Classico area covers 7,200 hectares. 96% of all producers have joined the rules of the Consorzio Chianti Classico.

Chiantigiana. The most beautiful wine race track.

The 70 km long, hilly, winding road connects Florence and Siena. It is one of the most beautiful wine roads in the world. And venue of numerous bicycle, motorcycle and vintage car races. Through the vineyards of Chianti. Greve, Panzano, Radda, all the famous wine villages are located on the Chiantigiana.

Long before the Romans, the Etruscans cultivated wine here, making Chianti one of the oldest wine-growing regions in Europe. After the Romans, changing rulers followed. In the 11th century, the city states of Florence and Siena emerged, which fought for supremacy for centuries. Inextricably linked with Tuscan history is the Medici family, who have promoted art, science and viticulture to the highest degree. At the beginning of the 16th century Tuscany was finally united under their rule. Cosimo III introduced 150 grape varieties at the beginning of the 17th century, including Cabernet Sauvignon (Uva Francesca). After the extinction of the Medici, Tuscany was united with the Kingdom of Sardinia, and together they merged in 1861 into the new Kingdom of Italy.

In the 19th century Baron Bettino Ricasoli defined the first rules for the production of Chianti. Even then with 75% Sangiovese and 15% Canaiolo. (The rest were various grape varieties in small quantities). This recipe was highly successful. This marked the beginning of the region's rapid rise to become a wine power - not only in Italy.

The climate in the Chianti area is characterized by hot days and very cool nights, it is actually always windy, which makes morning dew dry quickly. The soils are Galestro, a Karkmergel and Alberese, a weathered sandstone. This can often be seen to the left and right of the road by the colour of the earth. Very clearly e.g. in Greve in Chianti, where the river of the same name forms the dividing line. You can even see it there in the old houses, which are much brighter on one side because they were built of Galestro stones. It must be worked even with renovations with the in each case lighter or darker stone.

Although there are a variety of approved white wine grape varieties and some of these wines are quite successful, the proportion of white wines produced in the region is still minimal. Although Vernaccia di San Gimignano was the first Italian white wine DOC to be classified in 1966 and is located in the Chianti area. By the way, it was elevated to DOCG in 1993. SUPERIORE.DE