Description
The Chianti Classico PDO is reserved for the following types of wine: Red, Riserva and Gran Selezione.
Production Area
The production area of Chianti Classico PDO is within the territory of numerous municipalities in the provinces of Florence and Siena, in the Tuscany region.
Description of product typologies
Chianti Classico PDO is ruby red, varying in intensity; it is intense and characteristic on the nose with floral hints; it is dry, fresh and sapid on the palate, slightly tannic, improving with age. Chianti Classico PDO Riserva is intense ruby red, tending towards garnet red with ageing; it is intense, fruity and persistent on the nose; it is dry and balanced on the palate, with great tannic richness. Chianti Classico PDO Gran Selezione is intense ruby red, tending towards garnet red with ageing; the nose is spicy and persistent; it is dry, persistent and balanced on the palate. Chianti Classico PDO wine can be released for consumption from October 1st of the year following that in which the grapes were produced. Riserva and Gran Selezione wines can only be released for consumption after they have undergone an ageing period of at least 24 and 30 months respectively, with at least 3 months maturing in the bottle. The maturation process may also take place outside the vinification area, as long as the bottles have already been labelled and sealed with the Italian State Mark. The ageing period commences January 1st of the year following that in which the grapes were harvested. Chianti Classico Gran Selezione wines must be produced exclusively with grapes from the bottler’s vineyards.
Geographical and sub-area specifications
Chianti Classico PDO with the specification Gran Selezione can be accompanied by the following additional geographical units: Castellina, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Gaiole, Greve, Panzano, Radda, San Casciano, San Donato in Poggio and also, starting from the end of 2025, Lamole, Montefioralle and Vagliagli.
Additional specifications
The Chianti Classico PDO designation can be followed by the specification Vigna (Vineyard) with the relative toponym. The Chianti Classico PDO is mandatorily and exclusively distinguished by the “Gallo Nero” mark, strictly in conjunction with the Chianti Classico designation. This mark must be displayed on the bottle neck or the rear label.
