Exploring the Depth of Chianti Classico

Chianti Classico is not merely a wine — it is the spirit of Tuscany poured into a bottle, a living echo of ancient hills, age-old traditions, and a way of life steeped in sun, soil, and soul. Recognized by its iconic black rooster seal, this historic wine region produces some of the most celebrated red wines in the world, crafted primarily from Sangiovese grapes. With a legacy that dates back to the 13th century and a commitment to quality upheld by strict regulations, Chianti Classico offers a rich tapestry of flavor, culture, and history in every bottle.    

The Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico, established back in 1924 protects, promotes sustainability, quality, and international visibility of the wines, oversees and regulates the production standards of Chianti Classico wines, as outlined by the DOCG and conducts research and supports innovation among member wineries. In fact, the Consorzio includes most of the producers in the region – more than 500 wine estates. Last April, the Consorzio celebrated its 100th Anniversary. 

Earlier this week, the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico hosted a Grand Tasting to explore the depth of Chianti Classico.  In addition to the Walk-Around Grand Tasting, a variety of seminars and workshops were offered to explore the region’s rich heritage, diverse terroirs, and distinctive expressions. I attended a very in-depth seminar, The Future of Sustainability & Chianti Classico UGAs: Mapping the Evolution of a Historic Denomination. Giovanni Manetti, President of the Consorzio Chianti Classico, along with Wine Spectator Senior Editor, Bruce Sanderson, began by discussing the evolving role of sustainability in Chianti Classico and the region’s long-term commitment to environmental, social, and economic responsibility, with a focus on the Chianti Classico Sustainability Manifesto framework. 

It was very interesting to listen to the head of the Consorzio speak about the goals and how they are being executed.  He emphasized promotion and difference. Chianti Classico will continue to be promoted as a premier region, but also as one that stands apart. He advocated for protection and defence of the most precious asset: the land and/or territory. This was a fine segway into the key components of the Chianti Classico Sustainability Manifest: environmental sustainability, social sustainability and cultural sustainability, along with the 57 criteria. Keywords that resonated were quality, harmony and singularity.

“Sustainability, to me, means continuity. Ensuring continuity to winegrowing in Chianti Classico.”

Giovanni Manetti

One way that environmental sustainability is being carried out surrounds the fact that close to 60% of the wineries in Chianti Classico are Certified Organic. In fact, Chianti Classico has one of the highest percentages of organic wine-growing appellations in all of Italy.  Manetti talked about continuity in the vineyards, highlighting projects such as beekeeping, continuing to cultivate viniferous plants to assist in bee pollination and sustainability, increasing biodiversity to foster a rich ecosystem and EV charging stations, as environmental sustainability goes beyond the vineyards. He also spoke about the impact of climate change and ways Chianti Classico endeavors to combat this issue. For example, pressing the soil, keeping the vines for 50-70 years or more, instead of always replanting, helps the roots to grow deeper to endure climate change and maintain the quality. 

Manetti highlighted an aspect of Chianti Classico’s social sustainability: at least 20% of the employees must live locally in Chianti Classico, and another percentage of them farm the lands. Strengthening and maintaining relationships is emphasized. This only makes sense, as it deepens the love for the terroir and area and not only fosters a sense of community-it also fosters a sense of pride.

In terms of cultural sustainability, we learned about the ongoing commitment and projects to restore and maintain public buildings and parks. Giovanni Manetti stressed the importance of the sense of beauty associated with Chianti Classico, “as beauty and quality in wine are connected.” Therefore, it is crucial to maintain the Tuscan landscape.

The discussion continued with a deep dive into the Chianti Classico territory and UVA’s, with Italian Wine Cartographer Alessandro Masnaghetti and Jeff Porter, US Chianti Classico Ambassador. The thorough conversation, detailed maps, images and context were very informative. The 11 UGA’s were represented by a tasting of the following wines, all Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, which offered a unique expression of their terroir.

• Borgo Scopeto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Borgo Scopeto 2016 (Vagliagli)
• Carus Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gaudio 2018 (San Casciano)
• Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Il Poggio 2020 (San Donato in Poggio)
• Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione La Corte 2020 (Greve)
• Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sassello 2018 (Montefioralle)
• Fontodi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo 2021 (Panzano)
• Istine Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Casanova dell’Aia 2021 (Radda)
• Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto di Campolungo 2020 (Lamole)
• Marchesi Frescobaldi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Tenuta Perano Rialzi 2021 (Gaiole)
• Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sergio Zingarelli 2021 (Castellina)
• Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Strada al Sasso 2021 (Castelnuovo Berardenga)

Following this fabulous seminar, I attended the Grand Tasting, which facilitated interaction with 40 Chianti Classico producers and the opportunity to taste 100+ wines from the region. The event also featured tastings of Chianti Classico Vin Santo and D.O.P Olive Oil.  Although I did my best to taste over 100 wines, some of my highlights included:

• Castello di VerrazzanoChianti Classico Riserva 2020 and Chianti Classico Riserva 1966 (What a delightful surprise!)
• Castello Vicchiomaggio Chianti Classico Riserva Agostino Petri 2022
• Famiglia Cecchi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Valore di Famiglia 2020 and Chianti Classico Riserva Villa Cerna 2010
• Felsina Chianti Classico Berardenga 2022 and Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia 1999 (Awesome)
• Fontodi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Terrazze San Leolino 2021 and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo 2021
• Terreno Chianti Classico Le Tre Vigne 2021, Chianti Classico Riserva Le Bonilla di Soprano 2020 and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sillano 2019 (female producer)
• Tolaini Chianti Classico 2022, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Montebello Sette 2021 and Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna Montebello Sette 2010 (Beautiful!)
• Vallepicciola Chianti Classico 2022, Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Latina 2021-Every pour was outstanding!

This region, characterized by rolling hills, clay and limestone soils, and a Mediterranean climate, all ideal for viticulture, does a lovely job at environmental, social and cultural sustainability. I immensely enjoyed exploring the depth of Chianti Classico and taking a closer look into the 11 UGAs.