The things you should know about Chianti-Classico || Geography, Viticulture & Enology || Italian Wine Region

 

Tuscany: the word alone conjures up pictures of a timeless environment with wooded hills, cypress trees, villas, and old farmhouses. A visitor to the region cannot help but be captivated by the ambiance. As Oz Clarke so well stated, "You can't go to Tuscany without wanting to be more like the Tuscans." Chianti Classico, the most famous wine area in Italy, is located in the heart of Tuscany, between the historic towns of Florence and Siena. In reality, Chianti Montalbano, Chianti Colli Fiorenti, Chianti Rufina, Colli Senesi, Colline Pisane, and Colli Aretini are the other six Tuscan wine regions that can claim the name Chiant. However, it is Chianti Classico, closely followed by Chianti Rufina, that produces the reputed wines.

Geography

The Chianti Classico area spans 40 kilometers north to south and 25 kilometers west to east. The steep topography is far from viticultural monoculture, with vineyards mixed with woodlands, olive orchards, sunflowers, and other vegetation, accounting for just 10% of the total surface area. One explanation is that the principal grape varietals can only mature adequately in the ideal locations. The hills give favorable perspectives and cooling winds; for example, Sangiovese is thought to require a southerly exposure for dependable ripening.

Wine has been produced in the region for centuries; the word Chianti, which refers to red wine, was first attested in 1404. The first effort at territorial delimitation occurred in 1716. Prior to the 1960s, vineyards as we know them were uncommon; grapes were intermingled with other crops, perhaps in single rows between plots used for other crops. Massive replanting occurred in the 1960s and 1970s. There are 7,000 hectares of vineyards with Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) designation.

Sangiovese, like Pinot Noir, is less pigmented than many other red wine varieties--it contains less acylated anthocyanins--and Canaiolo may have been included in the mix to boost color. Malvasia Bianca, on the other hand, is supposed to enhance scent and soften the palate. Also, because the other traditional red types mature before Sangiovese, the wine had more body in weak years. Today, Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz are more likely to perform this function than Canaiolo. Nonetheless, some producers may contend that Canaiolo is necessary for the traditional flavor of a Chianti Classico.

Because of the undulating geography, the region's climate is quite varied. Temperature is strongly influenced by altitude, and vineyards may be found at elevations ranging from 250 to 600 meters. However, Sangiovese is thought to mature best when cultivated at elevations lower than 380 meters. Summers are hot, but winters are frigid; for example, MJT is 23.1°C (range from 24.0°C at 50 m to 22.0°C at 450 m), and CTL3 is 17.7°C. Autumn rainfall is critical: there is a negative correlation between vintage rating and September rainfall. The average rainfall throughout the growth season (April to October) is 452 mm, with 79 mm in September. Hail and frost are the main issues. The most favoured soils are the calcareous marls (galestro), principally found in the central part of the region. In the north, clay soils are more common.

Viticulture and Enology

Poggio Amorelli, winery of Chianti region

Row x vine spacing is 1.7 to 2.5 m x 0.75 to 1.0 m, with newer vineyards having tighter spacings. The trellis is a VSP type, with a fruiting wire at 50 to 70 cm, two pairs of moveable foliage wires, and a single fixed foliage wire at the top of the post (110 to 140 cm). Sangiovese is often grown to a unilateral cordon and clipped to single-node spurs. Pruning is typically done by hand, however mechanical pre-pruning may be utilized, and results in the retention of just 3 to 4 spurs per vine. In high-yielding vineyards, all varietals may be planted with at least two arching canes per vine. Shoot density can be as low as 5–6 per lineal m. Bunch thinning near to veraison is common technique to achieve maturation before the autumn rains. Irrigation is not allowed on bearing vines. Budburst occurs in early to mid-April, and harvest usually begins in mid-September (at low elevations) or early October. On deep soils, the most common rootstocks are 420A and 3309, while 110 Richter and 779 Paulsen are used on dry, calcareous soils.

Chianti Classico wines must have a minimum alcohol content of 12% (12.5% for Riserva) and a yield of no more than 8.5 t/ha (or 3 kilograms per vine). Furthermore, five years after planting a vineyard, its I grapes can be utilized for Chianti Classico. Riverva wine (taken from the finest vineyards) accounts for about 20% of total output and is matured in big and small oak barrels with a life expectancy of ten years or longer.

Wine Tasting in Chianti-Classico

Those traveling in Siena or Florence (or the provinces of Siena and Florence) have easy access to the Chianti Classico region's farms and vineyards. The following is a list of well-known wineries/wine stores you may visit directly with your own (or rental) car/bike.

VITICCIO (Greve in Chianti)

Greve in Chianti

Wine tastings are available every day of the week at the Viticcio winery estate and may be scheduled by appointment. Simply call to book a visit at a time that works best for you.

This is a family-run winery, therefore you'll most likely be guided by a family member on your adventure into the world of wine, beginning with their vines and progressing to the winery before tasting their wines, which you can then purchase. Visit their official website for additional information on wine tastings and excursions.

CHIANTI CLASSICO, MONTALCINO & MONTEPULCIANO

Chianti Classico

If you're feeling brave and want to see all three lovely Tuscan wine districts in one day, we recommend taking a guided trip like this small group one (max 8 people). You'll enjoy the journey to Greve, Castellina, and then via Monteriggioni, Montalcino, and Montepulciano, as well as the wines and a lovely lunch, without having to worry about driving. It's a long day, but you'll see a lot of Tuscany in one day dedicated to the region's most famous wineries.

CASTELLO DI BROLIO (Gaiole in Chianti)

Castello Di Brolio

The Enoteca del Barone Ricasoli is accessible for tastings, both individually and in groups, by reservation. In addition to tasting and purchasing Ricasoli wines, the staff enoteca may also sell excellent items from the region, such as honey and olive oil.

If you don't have a vehicle or don't want to drive while tasting wine, you can still visit Castello di Brolio from Siena on this guided trip, which also includes lunch and a visit to a third vineyard in the afternoon, as well as time in a neighboring town. It's a full-day tour (8 hours).

THE CASA DEL CHIANTI CLASSICO (Radda in Chianti)

Radda in Chianti

The "Casa del Chianti Classico" is the first "house of wine" for the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium, having opened in June 2014 in Radda in Chianti. The "Casa Chianti Classico" allows you to taste and buy from the world's greatest selection of Chianti Classico labels, as well as a terrace with a view to enjoy a lunch or supper and various wine-related events, courses, and exhibits. Unfortunately, the most of activities take place during the summer, although the wine shop and patio are open all year. Visit the official website to learn more.

References:

Some of the information in this article was provided by Christian Maurer (Isole e Olena) and Gionata Pulignani (Castello di Fonterutoli).

Clarke, O. (1995) Oz Clarke's Wine Atlas (Websters International Publishers: London)

Nesto, Bill; Di Savino, Frances (2016). Chianti Classico: The Search for Tuscany's Noblest Wine. University of California Press.

Flower, Raymond (2012) [1978]. Chianti: The Land, the People and the Wine. Garrett County Press.

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