Chianti Classico DOCG
Italian DOCG appellation for dry red wine produced primarily from Sangiovese in the historic Chianti zone between Florence and Siena. Features three-tier quality classification: Annata, Riserva, and Gran Selezione.
Permitted Varieties
Key Regulatory Constraints
- Grape composition: minimum 80% Sangiovese
- Maximum complementary varieties: 20%
- White grapes: not permitted
- Maximum yield: 7,500 kg/ha
- Minimum alcohol: 12% vol (Annata), 12.5% vol (Riserva/Gran Selezione)
- Aging: 12 months (Annata), 24 months (Riserva), 30 months (Gran Selezione)
Chianti Classico DOCG
Technical Summary
- Classification: DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita)
- EU Registration: Protected Designation of Origin (PDO); PDO-IT-A0462
- Geographic scope: Historic Chianti zone across 9 comuni between Florence and Siena
- Wine type: Dry red still wine only
- Varietal requirement: Minimum 80% Sangiovese
- Quality tiers: Annata, Riserva, Gran Selezione
Regulatory Constraints (Verified)
Ampelographic Composition
- Primary variety: Sangiovese — minimum 80%
- Complementary varieties: Up to 20% from authorized red varieties
- Permitted complementary: Canaiolo Nero, Colorino, and other authorized red varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- White grapes: NOT permitted (changed from historical formula)
- Source: Disciplinare di Produzione, Art. 2
Geographic Delimitation
Nine comuni comprising the historic Chianti zone:
- Greve in Chianti (entirely)
- Radda in Chianti (entirely)
- Gaiole in Chianti (entirely)
- Castellina in Chianti (entirely)
- San Casciano in Val di Pesa (partially)
- Barberino Tavarnelle (partially)
- Castelnuovo Berardenga (partially)
- Poggibonsi (partially)
- Part of Florence commune
- Total vineyard area: ~7,200 hectares registered
- Source: Disciplinare di Produzione, Art. 3
Yield Limits
- Maximum grape yield: 7,500 kg/ha
- Maximum wine yield: 70%
- Effective wine yield: 52.5 hl/ha
- Source: Disciplinare di Produzione, Art. 4
Aging Requirements by Category
| Category | Total Aging | Oak Aging | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annata | 12 months | Not specified | October 1, year after harvest |
| Riserva | 24 months | Not specified | From 24 months after harvest |
| Gran Selezione | 30 months | 3 months minimum bottle | From 30 months after harvest |
- Gran Selezione additional requirement: Grapes must come from estate-owned or long-term leased vineyards
- Source: Disciplinare di Produzione, Art. 5
Minimum Alcohol
- Annata: 12.0% vol
- Riserva: 12.5% vol
- Gran Selezione: 13.0% vol
- Source: Disciplinare di Produzione, Art. 6
Enological Implications
Evidence-Backed Implications
Sangiovese dominance requirement (80%+):
- High natural acidity of Sangiovese requires management. See pH and Acidity Adjustment for principles.
- Complete MLF standard practice
- Blending with softer varieties (Merlot, Colorino) affects final balance
Gran Selezione estate requirement:
- Must use only estate-grown grapes
- Limits blending options to owned/controlled vineyards
- Positions as single-estate quality tier
Operational Observations
Tiered production planning:
- Same vineyard source can produce Annata, Riserva, or Gran Selezione
- Selection decision impacts cellar allocation and aging program
- Cash flow varies significantly by tier (12 vs. 30 months)
Oak program flexibility:
- No minimum oak aging specified for Annata or Riserva
- Allows range from no-oak to heavily oaked styles
- Producer philosophy determines approach
Frequent Compliance Risks
Sangiovese Minimum Shortfall
- Risk: Blend falling below 80% Sangiovese
- Impact: Cannot be labeled Chianti Classico
- Mitigation: Precise blending records; component tracking
Gran Selezione Sourcing Violations
- Risk: Using purchased grapes for Gran Selezione
- Impact: Declassification to Riserva or Annata
- Mitigation: Vineyard ownership/lease documentation
White Grape Inclusion
- Risk: Historical practice of including white grapes (Trebbiano, Malvasia)
- Impact: Not permitted under current disciplinare
- Mitigation: Vineyard audit; separate harvesting
Relevant Grape Varieties
- Sangiovese — primary variety (80-100%)
- Canaiolo Nero — permitted complementary
- Colorino — permitted complementary
- Cabernet Sauvignon — permitted complementary
- Merlot — permitted complementary
Related Appellations
- Brunello di Montalcino DOCG — 100% Sangiovese from southern Tuscany
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG — Sangiovese-based from Montepulciano
- Morellino di Scansano DOCG — Sangiovese from Maremma coast
- Bolgheri DOC — Super Tuscan zone on coast
Related Articles
- Malolactic Fermentation Management
- pH and Acidity Adjustment
- Oak Integration and Tannin Management
- Extended Maceration Techniques
- Wine Blending Principles
Notable Producers
- Fontodi — Panzano; organic, 100% Sangiovese advocate
- Isole e Olena — Barberino Val d’Elsa; single-varietal Sangiovese
- Castello di Ama — Gaiole; contemporary art and wine
- Fèlsina — Castelnuovo Berardenga; Rancia Riserva benchmark
- Montevertine — Radda; Le Pergole Torte cult wine (IGT)
- Castello di Volpaia — Radda; organic estate
- Antinori (Tignanello, Badia a Passignano) — Florence; Super Tuscan pioneers
- Riecine — Gaiole; traditional style
References
-
Disciplinare di Produzione Chianti Classico DOCG
- Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico
- URL: https://www.chianticlassico.com/
-
eAmbrosia - EU GI Register
- Entry: PDO-IT-A0462
- URL: https://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/eambrosia/
Last Updated: January 6, 2026