🏷️ Classico

Classico is a word on an Italian wine label meaning the wine comes from the older, historic heart of its zone. "Classico" is a word on an Italian wine label. It means the grapes were grown in the old, most historic heart of a wine area. The best-known example is Chianti Classico.

The idea is simple: when an area grew, surrounding land was added to the original territory. The old, original zone came to be called classic. It is thought that the tradition took shape there and that conditions for the vine are especially good. Wine from such a zone usually has stricter rules and a higher price. This is true of Chianti Classico, Soave Classico, Valpolicella Classico and other designations.

The word "Classico" is tied to Italian wine classifications, for example DOCG. It resembles "Superiore" but means something different: "Classico" speaks of place, while "Superiore" speaks of stricter requirements for the wine itself, such as strength and ageing. Sometimes both words appear on a label. For the buyer, "Classico" is a hint that the wine comes from the historic part of the area. It is not a guarantee of taste but an indication of origin and tradition.