Chianti, may be one of Italy’s most well know wines here in the states, but do you know what it is?
Chianti isn’t a type of grape, instead Chianti DOCG and Chianti Classico DOCG refers to styles of wine made in a specific region in Tuscany. DOCG wines are Italy’s highest level of wine classification.
So what’s the difference between Chianti and Chianti Classico?
Chianti DOCG wine must be at least 70% Sangiovese and can it can also be blended with other grapes including indigenous and international varieties. Some Chianti DOCG wines may be 100% Sangiovese.
Chianti Classico split into its own DOCG in the 90’s. The “Classico” in Chianti Classico refers to wine grown in the Historic Center of a wine growing region. It is not limited to Chianti alone, so you may have seen other Italian Wines with the “Classico” designation. As Chianti Classico is a separate DOCG from Chianti DOCG, it has its own requirements – it must be 80% Sangiovese and does not allow for international or white varieties to be blended in. You’ll also recognize that Chianti Classico DOCG Wines from the inclusion of their black rooster logo – Gallo Negro.
Isn’t that interesting?
Just some of the fascinating knowledge I learned in last semester’s Italian Wine Class taught by the incredibly knowledgeable Deborah Parker Wong.
