The Chianti wine production region is a large area taking up most of central Tuscany in Italy. Chianti wine was originally produced in a small area between the cities of Florence and Siena which was defined legally as far back as 1716.
However due to the popularity of Chianti, other nearby areas began producing and selling wines with the same name. They were often wines of inferior quality (and price), so obviously the authentic producers had a lot to complain about.
To solve the situation but only in 1932, seven sub zones where added to the original Chianti region of 1716. It was decided that wine from the original area of 1716 be defined Chianti Classico, and the name may only be legally used by wines coming from said region.
The wines from the new sub zones took the name of their geographical locations and are: Chianti Colli Fiorentini, Chianti Colli Aretini, Chianti Colli Senesi, Chianti Montalbano,Chianti Rufina, and as of 1996 Chianti Montespertoli. Often they are simply referred to as Chianti.
So in a nutshell, Chianti Classico is the wine made in the original historic production zone, while Chianti is the wine coming from the extended and much larger area added in 1932.
Though the Chianti Classico wine region has an extension of about 277 sq miles, only 28 are officially designated for the production of wine. There is a system of quotas which limits planting new vines. This is done to preserve the environment and prevent an excessive production of wine.
For a more detailed article on Chianti Classico see here
Copyright Sergio Ceccherini 2019
However due to the popularity of Chianti, other nearby areas began producing and selling wines with the same name. They were often wines of inferior quality (and price), so obviously the authentic producers had a lot to complain about.
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The wines from the new sub zones took the name of their geographical locations and are: Chianti Colli Fiorentini, Chianti Colli Aretini, Chianti Colli Senesi, Chianti Montalbano,Chianti Rufina, and as of 1996 Chianti Montespertoli. Often they are simply referred to as Chianti.
So in a nutshell, Chianti Classico is the wine made in the original historic production zone, while Chianti is the wine coming from the extended and much larger area added in 1932.
Though the Chianti Classico wine region has an extension of about 277 sq miles, only 28 are officially designated for the production of wine. There is a system of quotas which limits planting new vines. This is done to preserve the environment and prevent an excessive production of wine.
For a more detailed article on Chianti Classico see here
Copyright Sergio Ceccherini 2019
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| The Chianti Classico Logo will be found only on certified bottles |
