Blog: Chianti (All) | Classic

Chianti - A red wine from the heart of Tuscany
When one thinks of Italian wines, Chianti usually immediately comes to mind. Chianti is a red wine from the region of Tuscany and enjoys great popularity worldwide. In this article you will learn more about the terroir of the Chianti zone and the different types of Chianti.

The terroir of the Chianti zone
The Chianti area is located in the center of Tuscany and stretches across the provinces of Florence, Siena and Arezzo. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills covered with vines and olive trees. The climate is Mediterranean and the soils are calcareous and clayey. The geographical conditions give Chianti its characteristic flavor.

The different types of Chianti
There are different types of Chianti, distinguished by their origin and production. The best known are Chianti Classico and Chianti Gran Selezione.

The Chianti Classico
The Chianti Classico is the classic Chianti wine. It is made from at least 80% Sangiovese grapes, complemented by other grape varieties such as Canaiolo, Colorino and Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes must come from the Chianti Classico region and the wine must be aged in oak barrels for at least one year.

The Chianti Gran Selezione
The Chianti Gran Selezione is a higher level of Chianti Classico. It is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes and must come from a single winery. The wine must be aged for at least 30 months in oak barrels and bottles. Chianti Gran Selezione has a more intense flavor than Chianti Classico and is slightly more expensive.

Chianti Colli Senesi
Chianti Colli Senesi is a remarkable wine region in Tuscany, Italy, known for its unique characteristics. The name 'Colli Senesi' refers to the hills (Colli) and the city of Siena (Senesi) that characterize this picturesque area.

Chianti Colli Senesi wines are characterized by their ruby red color and fruity aroma, often accompanied by notes of cherries and red berries. The region benefits from a mild Mediterranean climate that allows the grapes to ripen optimally.

A notable characteristic of Chianti Colli Senesi is the use of the Sangiovese grape as the main grape variety. Sangiovese gives the wines a particular structure, acidity and tannins that contribute to their longevity. Combined with other authorized grape varieties such as Canaiolo and Colorino, balanced and complex wines are obtained.

Other Chianti types
There are other types of Chianti that also come from the Chianti zone. Chianti Rufina is made from grapes grown in the Rufina region. It has a slightly stronger flavor than Chianti Classico. Chianti Colli Senesi is made from grapes grown in the Siena region. It is slightly lighter and fruitier than Chianti Classico.

Conclusion
Chianti is a wine with tradition and history. The terroir of the Chianti zone gives it its characteristic taste. Chianti Classico and Chianti Gran Selezione are the most famous Chianti types and differ in origin and production. Try a Chianti and be enchanted by its unique taste. Salute! - Gerardo [TS03/23]