We say Italy and wine, and it likely brings to mind historic villas, rows of cypress trees, and rolling hills dotted with vineyards. That vision you have, friends, is of the Chianti wine region. But it can quickly raise many questions. If you’ve heard the name but are unsure what Chianti is exactly (hint: it’s not a grape), this guide is for you.
As someone who lived in Tuscany for over a decade and extensively studied wine, I have spent much time drinking Chianti wine and visiting the region (which is also home to some of our favorite luxury hotels in Tuscany, btw).
And, now that I am a travel planner who curates itineraries to Italy, I often have travel clients ask for advice on what is Chianti wine and where they should go for wine tastings. Here, I’m sharing what Chianti wine is, its history, and what foods to pair with Chianti.
The History Of Chianti
You may assume Italian wine originated with the Romans, but it originated in Tuscany thanks to the Etruscans, the ancient people of central Italy. Tuscany is home to Chianti wine, made with one of the oldest grape varieties in Italy (Sangiovese!). It’s also the first wine zone defined worldwide, dating back to 1716!
What Is Chianti?
Let’s dive in to learn a bit more about this Italian wine:
Where In Italy Is Chianti?
Chianti (pronounced KEY-on-tee) is the name of a region in Tuscany that specializes in a tangy, dry red wine called Chianti (hence the confusion).
The region borders Florence to the north, Pisa to the west, Arezzo to the east, and Siena to the south. Wines are classified based on region, quality, and aging, and only wine produced in this area can be labeled “Chianti.”
It’s Not A Grape
A common misconception is that Chianti is a grape, but it is a red wine blend made from a minimum of 70% Sangiovese grapes. The remaining 30% comprises Italian grapes, like Colorino or Canaiolo, or international grapes, like cabernet sauvignon or merlot. Some producers even make it with 100% Sangiovese.
The Term Can Refer To a Few Areas
As a region, Chianti has eleven subzones, so you’ll find a few different types of wine within the denomination. At the bottom of the hierarchy is Chianti, a catchall appellation. Then you have Chianti Classico, an appellation with its rules (more below). Other subzones with a reputation for high-quality bottlings include Chianti Rufina and Chianti Colli Senesi.
Labeling Chianti Wines
The region was classified as DOC n 1967 and then was given DOCG classification in 1984 (head here if you need a reminder of what those terms mean). Then, in 1996 Chianti Classico became an independent DOCG, and Classico is now considered the original zone.
Some of the most celebrated DOCGs are Chianti Classico DOCG, Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG, Chianti Colli Aretini DOCG, and Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG.
What Is The Difference Between Chianti And Chianti Classico?
Chianti is your basic Italian table wine, and it’s held to fewer regulations, while Chianti Classico is a serious wine made from top-quality Sangiovese grapes. Wines labeled “Chianti” can be produced anywhere within the region, while Chianti Classico hails from a smaller section of the larger zone.
The Blends Are Different
The main grape in both appellations is Sangiovese. While Chianti Classico must be made from at least 80 percent Sangiovese grapes, the minimum is only 70 percent in Chianti. Also, Chianti Classico only allows red grapes but Chianti allows up to 10 percent white grape varieties.
One Of The Most Revered Appellations
Chianti Classico has the largest growing area out of all the subregions and, as such, is the easiest to find. Some people mistakenly believe that because it’s called “Classico” or classic, it’s better than the other types of Chianti. This is, however, not the case; it simply refers to the classic area where the first Chiantis were blended and made.
The Gallo Nero Label
To identify a Chianti Classico, look for a black rooster or “Gallo Nero” on the label, as the black rooster is the symbol of Chianti Classico.
This logo comes from a story from the middle ages. Siena and Florence, always feuding, disagreed over the border of Chianti and, thus, which held more of this rich growing area. After years of fighting, they decided to solve the dispute peacefully.
Each city was given a rooster, and said that a rider from each town would depart at daybreak at each city’s rooster’s first crow. Then, wherever the riders met would be the division of the lands.
Leading up to the race, Florence starved their black rooster, only feeding it minimally at the first hint of sunlight. Siena’s white rooster instead was spoiled with food, the idea being a full rooster would crow earlier.
On the day of the race, Florence’s rider was woken at the first hint of light and set off, covering much ground, before the fat, well-fed rooster of Siena even bothered to wake. By the time Siena’s lazy rooster crowed, Florence had taken over most of the Chianti hills!
Chianti Rufina is Worth Exploring
If you’re looking to branch out from Chianti Classico, another respected subzone is Chianti Rufina. This small area to the northeast of Florence produces some of the most highly sought-after Chianti wines.
There are also some beautiful castles to visit, so it’s a great place to get off the beaten path of the usual Chianti excursion. If you want to make a day trip for wine tasting in Chianti, contact us, and we’ll help plan!
What about Riserva or Superiore?
To clarify, the use of “Riserva” or “Superiore” in labels tells you about how the wines are aged and not how “good” the wine is.
If you see a bottle with Riserva printed on the label, you already know it’s been aged longer than the average Chianti. Here are the most common aging requirements:
- Chianti: At least 6 months
- Classico: At least 1 year
- Superiore: At least 1 year
- Riserva: At least 24 months
- Gran Selezione: At least 2.5 years
What Does Chianti Wine Taste Like?
Describing this wine is no easy feat, as it varies from year to year and blend to blend. But, since Chianti must be made of at least 70% Sangiovese, and Sangiovese has specific characteristics, we can make some general assumptions.
Get To Know Sangiovese
Sangiovese is Italy’s most planted grape and is known for producing wines with medium alcohol, medium-high acidity, medium tannin, light to medium body, and a ruby color. But the way the grape tastes depends on where it’s grown.
It Has Red Fruit Flavors
A Chianti is a dry, tart, red wine heavy on red fruit flavors (think: strawberry and raspberry), herbs, smoke, and tobacco.
And Medium Acidity
Chianti is also often described as acidic, which makes it a great match for acidic meals like pasta al pomodoro. It also goes beautifully with the Tuscan standard, “bistecca,” because the fat makes the tannins less pronounced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Chianti wine pairs excellently with a variety of foods due to its acidity and tannins. It goes particularly well with Italian cuisine, such as pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces, pizza, and grilled meats. Its versatility makes it a favorite choice for many food pairings.
Chianti wine is best served slightly below room temperature, around 60-65°F (15-18°C). It's recommended to open the bottle a few hours before serving or decant it to allow the wine to breathe, enhancing its flavors and aromas.
The aging potential of Chianti wine varies. Regular Chianti wines are typically meant to be consumed within a few years of bottling, while Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico Riserva wines have greater aging potential, often improving over five to ten years or more, depending on the quality and vintage.
Bonus Tip: Why is Chianti Wrapped In Straw?
That straw-wrapped bottle you’ve seen at your local red sauce joint is a basic bottle of Chianti wine. As iconic as they are, these “fiaschi” were invented by accident.
These bottles get their name from the expression “fare fiasco” or to make a mistake in Italian. They were created after a production error resulted in some bottle bottoms not flattening when cooling. Instead of being thrown out, these mistakes were covered in raffia that gave them a wider base, allowing them to stand up.
Once producers realized there was the bonus of the straw protecting their precious wine in transport, the iconic bottle was born.
Sip Chianti At Home
Chianti is a wine that some people say you must grow to appreciate unless you’re born in Italy. It may not be a wine that is immediately easy to drink, but it’s worth trying and tasting again and again.
If you want to bring a bit of Tuscany into your home, pair your next Italian meal with a glass. A few classic producers are Antinori, Badia A Coltibuono, Fontodi, Frescobaldi, and Querciabella. And, per the great Eric Asimov, we recommend you serve it slightly chilled. Cin Cin!
Things To Do For Food Lovers In Florence
If you love Chianti wine, chances are you’re a fellow food and wine lover. We’ve rounded up our picks of 5 unique things to do in Florence Italy for food lovers. From local groceries to market crawls and hands-on cooking classes and DIY food tours, we can also help you plan it all!
Did you know we’re also a boutique travel agency that specializes in Italy travel planning? If you’re looking to plan one of the best trips to Italy, our Italy trip planner services are here to help you plan your perfect itinerary.
Photo Credit: Photo of Brolio castle by Marco Bicci; Chianti wine label by Alessandro Sacchi on Unsplash; Chianti bottles by Watson Creation
