📍 Chianti

Chianti is a hilly zone in Tuscany, between Florence and Siena. It is one of the best-known red wines in the world. The main grape is Sangiovese, sometimes with Canaiolo and others added.

The zone has two parts. Chianti Classico is the historic heart between Florence and Siena, with its own DOCG and the black rooster (Gallo Nero) as its symbol. Its borders were set as early as 1716 by a decree of Grand Duke Cosimo III. The rest is Chianti DOCG with sub-zones such as Rufina, Colli Senesi, Colli Fiorentini and Montalbano; it must contain at least 70% Sangiovese.

Soils are limestone marls and clayey schists called galestro and alberese. They give the wine bright acidity and tannins. Classico also has a top tier called Gran Selezione.

Old Chianti bottles were round and wrapped in straw (fiasco). The sweet Vin Santo del Chianti, made from dried grapes, is produced here too. Chianti goes well with tomato sauces, roast meat and pecorino cheese. The name Chianti on a label shows that the grapes grew in this very area, which makes it easy to look for similar wines.