Chianti Classico DOCG: characteristics and types of wine

Chianti Classico DOCG is much more than simply a wine: it is an icon of Tuscany, a symbol of Made in Italy recognised and appreciated all over the world. Its identity has been shaped over time, through a centuries-old history and a set of precise rules contained in the Chianti Classico DOCG production regulations. In fact, these regulations not only guarantee the authenticity of the product, but also define its distinctive features, from the permitted grape varieties to the production sub-areas.

Lamole di Lamole, located in the beating heart of this territory, is a proud interpreter of it.

The grape varieties of Chianti Classico DOCG: characteristics

When we speak about what the characteristics of Chianti Classico DOCG are, we are referring to a set of elements that make it unique and unmistakable.

Sangiovese, the predominant grape variety in this area of Tuscany, is the main spokesperson for the unrepeatable peculiarities of the Gallo Nero territory. In fact, for the production of Chianti Classico, Sangiovese grapes must make up at least 80% of the total. This requirement underlines the crucial importance of Sangiovese in defining the character of the wine.

Over the years, supported by a considerable effort in research and innovation, the role of Sangiovese within Chianti Classico has become increasingly central. Proof of this includes:

• from 1996, vinification with 100% Sangiovese was permitted for DOCG wines;
• from 2006, Chianti Classico has been authorised for production exclusively with red grape varieties.

This decision marked an important step towards purity and the most authentic expression of the territory.

In particular, the vine varieties that may be used, in addition to Sangiovese, must necessarily appear in the national register of vine varieties of the MIPAAF and be recognised by the Tuscany Region. This includes both native grapes, which confer complexity and a strong bond with the soil, such as Canaiolo Nero, Ciliegiolo, Colorino, Fogliatonda, Malvasia Nera, Mammolo and Pugnitello.

On the other hand, the principal international grape varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah are permitted, which can enrich the wine with structure and new aromatic nuances, but with a limited contribution of no more than 20%.

In the glass, Chianti Classico stands out for its ruby-red colour, which tends towards garnet with ageing. On the nose, it offers typical aromas of violet and iris, combined with hints of red fruit such as cherry and blackberry. In addition, with ageing, more complex notes of undergrowth, tobacco and spice emerge. Finally, on the palate, it is a savoury, harmonious wine, with good acidity and elegant tannins that guarantee its longevity.

The 3 production sub-areas of Chianti Classico DOCG

The production area of Chianti Classico is a historic and clearly defined area, located between the cities of Florence and Siena, in the heart of Tuscany. Every stage in the production of Gallo Nero wine, from vineyard to bottle, must take place within these boundaries, as evidence of its unique territorial identity.

This evocative area extends over a surface of around 70,000 hectares and includes the municipal territories of Castellina in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, as well as portions of the municipalities of Barberino Tavarnelle, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Poggibonsi and San Casciano in Val di Pesa.

Although there are officially no “DOCG sub-areas of Chianti” recognised with specific additional geographical mentions in the production regulations, the Chianti Classico area is traditionally divided into three macro-areas, each with its own peculiarities that influence the style of the wine:

• Northern area (Greve in Chianti and San Casciano in Val di Pesa): wines that are generally more fragrant, fresh and floral, thanks to richer soils and higher altitudes.
• Central area (Radda in Chianti and Castellina in Chianti): wines with greater structure and complexity, often characterised by mineral notes, coming from alberese and galestro soils.
• Southern area (Gaiole in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga): warmer, more enveloping wines with greater fruity intensity, thanks to a milder climate and more clay-rich soils.

Lamole di Lamole, located in the municipality of Greve in Chianti, benefits from the typical characteristics of the northern area, with high altitudes and soils rich in galestro that give its wines a particular finesse and elegance.

How many types of Chianti Classico DOCG are there?

Within Chianti Classico DOCG, the production regulations mainly distinguish three types, which reflect different ageing requirements and grape selection criteria:

• Chianti Classico Annata: this is the basic wine, fresh and fruity, with a minimum ageing of 12 months.
• Chianti Classico Riserva: requires a minimum ageing of 24 months (of which at least 3 in bottle). It is a more complex wine, with greater structure and ageing potential. An emblematic example is Lareale Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva, the wine of Lamole di Lamole that expresses aromatic depth and elegant tannins, the result of careful selection and the right period of rest.
• Chianti Classico Gran Selezione: this is the type at the top of the quality pyramid, introduced in 2014. It requires a minimum ageing of 30 months (of which at least 3 in bottle), and the grapes must come exclusively from a single company vineyard or from a rigorous selection of the company’s best grapes. This further emphasises the concept of terroir and exclusivity.

A perfect example is Vigneto di Campolungo Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione by Lamole di Lamole, which embodies the highest expression of the territory’s Sangiovese, with extraordinary complexity and longevity.

Would you like to discover the authenticity and quality of Chianti Classico DOCG, from its freshest expressions to the prestigious Riserva and Gran Selezione? We invite you to visit Lamole di Lamole’s online shop to explore the full range!