Chianti Classico: The Legacy from Grape to Glass

Located within the Chianti region, it is not one of the seven sub-zone of Chianti, but rather the historical areas of the original Chianti region. History goes back to the 1930’s where the term “Classico” was added to distinguish it from the wines produced outside the Chianti historical area.

During the early days, demand of Chianti wines was so high that, in order to satisfy the demands of the consumers, productions spilled over to the neighboring areas, outside the original area producing the same Sangiovese Grape variety.

In order to protect the original areas of production, wine producers from the region in a joint effort founded a consortium to defend their wines from imitation as well as to obtain an appellation of its own. Their efforts were recognized and rewarded in 1932 by a ministerial decree by allowing them to use the term “Classico”, differentiating them from the producers that were outside the historical area, and adopting the Black Rooster (Gallo Nero) symbol.

Being within the historical area of Chianti, the Chianti Classico appellation and its wine production falls under the highest and strictest regulations from the government being Denominazione di origine controllata e garantita (DOCG). The DOCG is the highest designation given to the Italian Wines, each DOCG-labeled wine must pass a wine quality tasting panel to ensure its highest quality produced.

Besides, the Valoritalia which is the control body, authorized by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry has placed in many regulations for wines produced within the historical area that must be followed by the wine producers to ensure its production and quality.

Among the many here are a few:

• Maximum yield of wines from grapes cannot exceed 70%
• Minimum alcohol level by volume cannot be lower than 11.5%
• Must contain the Sangiovese grape variety of at least 80% up to 100%
• Other red grapes belonging to other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in Tuscany with the maximum amount of 20%
• Vinification, Storage, Aging and Bottling operations must be carried out within the production zone
• Distinguished exclusively and obligatorily by the Black Rooster (Gallo Nero) symbol

The full regulation can be read here: Production Regulations

Wines produced are categorized into 3 levels being Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. As the levels go higher, so does the quality and regulations that control the production.

Here we have simplified the differences, so you are able to quicky understand the differences:

Nestled in the rolling hills of Chianti Classico, Vallepicciola’s estate covers 265 hectares, of which 107-hectars are vineyards that have been planted selecting the best area for each of the Sangiovese, Pinot Nero, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay grape variety.

Vallepicciola offers remarkable tapestry of Pievasciata (Siena) vineyard blocks, each with its own unique combination of soil type, clone, rootstock, elevation and exposure, resulting in wines of uncommon charm and complexity.

Being a high quality exquisite wine producer, over the years, Vallepicciola has attained multiple accolades by world renowned judges and wine spectators for its fine wines.

Among the many achievements, Vallepicciola has been won multiple awards from judges such as Luca Maroni, James Suckling, Gambero Rosso, Luca Gardini, Decanter, Wine Spectator and many more.

Check out the full list of Awards & Achievements here: Vallepicciola Awards & Achievements