Wine Region - Tuscany, Chianti

History

Made from a blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and Malvasia Bianca, this red Italian wine has been documented as far back as the 13th century in the area surrounding Florence.  Early documentation suggests that this first Chianti wine was actually a white wine and did not become recognized as a red Italian wine until the 18th century.  Modern Chianti wine was created from a recipe in the 19th century and is one of the best known Italian wines. 

Classifications

The requirements for Chianti wine include specific percentages of grape blends.  Traditionally, this Italian wine should include 75-100% Sangiovese, no more than 10% Canaiolo, and up to 20% of another approved red grape.  Chianti wine restrictions include the following among the approved grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.  Although the use of white grapes such as Malvasia Bianca and Trebbiano are allowed in Chianti wine, they are not permitted for Chianti Classico.  All Chianti wine is required to contain 11.5% alcohol, while Classico wine should include 12% or better.  Aging time for basic Chianti wine is a minimum of seven months, while the more refined Chianti Classico requires at least twenty seven months.

Geography

The Chianti wine region is a large, hilly area that features the same general Mediterranean climate of most Italian wine regions including hot summers, cool evenings, and mild winters. 

Regions

Although the Chianti wine region encompasses several smaller Italian wine regions, Chianti wine is generally categorized in one of two ways.  The more general Chianti wine region includes eight sub-zones whose particular mix of climate and soil can slightly affect the character of the wine.  These sub-zones, when used exclusively, will be found on the wine label.  Look for Colli Fiorentini, Classico, Chianti Rufina, Colli Aretini, Colli Senesi, Colline Pisane, Montespertoli, and Montalbano.  Chianti Classico, a small region covering 100 square miles between Florence and Siena, contains several altitudes and microclimates, two main soil types offering either sandy or chalky soil, and temperatures that range from cooler in the north to warmer in the south. 

Varietals

Chianti wine varietals are subject to Italian wine laws that require a large percentage of Sangiovese, a small amount of Canaiolo, and the addition of one other approved grape that may include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Malvasia Bianca, Trebbiano, or one of a few others.