Blog: Chianti DOCG | Classic

Tuscany, a picturesque land of rolling hills, ancient villages and artful vineyards, is home to one of Italy's most famous wines - Chianti. This wine region has a fascinating history that stretches back centuries and reflects the evolution of viticulture and Tuscan culture. Join us on a journey through time and discover the historical roots of Chianti.

The origins of Chianti in the Middle Ages
The history of Chianti begins in the Middle Ages, when wine production was already flourishing in Tuscany. In the 13th century, the Chianti region was first recognized as particularly suitable for winegrowing. However, it was not until the 18th century that it was formally defined. Marquis Cosimo III de' Medici marked the boundaries of the growing area and created the basis for what we know today as Chianti.

The Chianti formula and the 'Gallo Nero' legend
The history of Chianti wine was decisively influenced by Baron Bettino Ricasoli in the 19th century. He developed a recipe for the wine that combined Sangiovese with Canaiolo and Malvasia. Ricasoli, also known as the 'builder of Chianti', emphasized the importance of the Sangiovese component, which is still the basis of Chianti today. The iconic black rooster logo ('Gallo Nero') was introduced to identify wines from the region and guarantee quality.

The heyday in the middle of the 20th century
In the middle of the 20th century, Chianti experienced a renaissance. At this time, it was often associated with a basket around the bottle, called a 'fiasco'. This unmistakable type of bottle contributed to the worldwide identification of Chianti. Its popularity increased, but there was also criticism of its quality. In the 1960s, the production regulations were revised to ensure higher quality standards.

Chianti Classico and the evolution of viticulture
With the introduction of the DOC and later the DOCG classification, Chianti experienced a qualitative upgrade. Chianti Classico in particular, which is produced in the original core region, became synonymous with Tuscan wine excellence. Through the use of modern oenological methods and a focus on terroir expression, Chianti has developed steadily over time.

The crowning glory: Chianti Gran Selezione in the 21st century
In the 21st century, Chianti reached the highest level of quality with the introduction of the Gran Selezione. These wines are made from the best grapes from a single vineyard and represent the essence of the terroir. With a longer maturation period and careful selection, the Gran Selezione cements Chianti's reputation as the flagship of Tuscan viticulture.

The history of Chianti is a fascinating journey through the centuries in which viticulture, culture and tradition have intertwined. From its medieval beginnings to the reforms of the 18th century and the modern quality standards of the 21st century, Chianti has developed into a symbol of Italian winemaking. Today, it represents not only a historical tradition, but also the continuous search for perfection in every bottle. A glass of Chianti is therefore not just a drink, but a tribute to the rich past and promising future of this timeless wine. - Gerardo [TS01/24]