Contents
Chianti Classico – This is a dry red wine that is produced in Italy (Tuscany region). The drink is based on Sangiovese grapes.
The wine has a DOCG category (“designation controlled by origin”). For wines produced in Italy, this is the highest category in the classification. Chianti wines are also produced in provinces like Pisa, Florence, Prato, etc.
wine cocktails
History of Chianti Classico
Italian scientists believe that Chianti was produced by the ancient Etruscan civilization, which lived on the territory of modern Tuscany. The Etruscans had a great influence on the ancient Romans, which was adopted by their wine-making methods.
The first written mention of the word “Chianti” dates back to the 3th century. At that time, the cultivation of wine grapes was actively developing in Florence. Merchants from XNUMX different villages Gaiole, Radda and Castellina have joined forces to form the Chianti League to promote Sangiovese alcohol.
By the end of the 1796th century, in XNUMX, the Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo III de Medici, passed a law according to which the official production of wine was assigned to the settlements belonging to the league and the town of Greve.
In 1932, the Italian government amended the law, adding to the list the nearby territories of Ciocchio, San Casciano, Barberino Val d’Elsa, Strada and Robbiano. By the middle of the XNUMXth century, the production area will occupy an extremely large area in the center of the Tuscany region.
The DOCG quality mark Chianti Classico received in 1984, and before that the DOC category in 1967. Modern manufacturing technology is no different from that used hundreds of years ago. It is called the Ricasoli formula, or the Chianti formula.
In the 1870s, V. Ricasoli, who was nicknamed the “iron baron” for his tough character and activity, ended his career as a politician and devoted himself entirely to his favorite business – winemaking. He grew many varieties of grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, and others), constantly experimented, but all to no avail. The only variety that succumbed to work was the local Sangiovese.
This is how the legendary formula was born, which gave us the red wine Chianti. It involves blending 70% Sangiovese, 10-15% Canaiolo, the remaining 15-20% Trebbiano or Malvasia.
As for the modern subtleties of production, 80% is given to Sangiovese, as the most important among not only Tuscany, but also Italy. He is very capricious, has not yet fully submitted to winemakers. A balance is sought from it: simultaneous depth and weightlessness of taste.
However, not all winemakers strive to preserve traditions. Someone makes Chianti entirely from Sangiovese. The laws do not provide them with room for experimentation, because the use of third-party varieties is prohibited. Ingredients must be grown within Tuscany, white berries from the 37 permitted species must be no more than 10%. In 2006, Chianti Classico was banned from adding even this tiny fraction.
Vineyards occupy the tops of hills at an altitude of no more than 700 meters above sea level. Do not use chemical fertilizers, only water is allowed. The Italians use the classic method of slow secondary fermentation. Berries can be slightly dried before they become wine.
It is customary to harvest by the end of October, the wine ages in oak until the first days of March next year. This is the minimum exposure. Types of Riserva are infused for longer than 2 years.
Символ Chianti Classico
The popularity of wine was rapidly gaining momentum. By the beginning of the XNUMXth century, official manufacturers could no longer fully satisfy the demand of buyers, and they began to fake it both in Tuscany and abroad. To protect people from fakes, manufacturers have created a body that serves to protect the brand.
The Consortium for the Protection of the Wine Brand was founded by a group of 33 manufacturers on May 14, 1924. To this day, the symbol of the Chianti Classico Consortium remains “a black rooster in a golden field”, but not all bottles carry this symbol. The design depends on the winemaker.
According to a Florentine legend, this bird helped the inhabitants of the city to appropriate part of the lands of Siena. Florence and Siena were in conflict, and the population decided to designate clear boundaries for possessions. They concluded an agreement according to which, with the first cock crow, a rider will be sent from one city to another. The point of their intersection will be the new border. The Florentines were lucky: their black cock crowed before the Sienese, and the horseman made a longer journey.
So, thanks to the bird, Florence expanded its territory by 20 kilometers at the expense of the lands of Siena. There are 2 versions of why the Florentine bird woke up earlier: some believe that the morning turned out to be sunny in Florence, and rainy in Siena, while others believe that the Sienese rooster was fed to the full, and the Florentine rooster didn’t sleep on an empty stomach, so he yelled at dawn .
What is the difference between Chianti Classico and regular Chianti
According to the current owner of the company, Barone Ricasoli, a descendant of the creator of the recipe, the wine is distinguished by its seriousness and exactingness in a certain way of production and use. It is made on a separate historical site of Chianti Classico, where the grapes are also harvested. In 1993, the family of Baron Ricasoli bought the territory from a wine concern from Australia. Now they are engaged in the revival of the former glory of the drink, create various developments, have already transplanted 2 vines and rebuilt the premises. Chianti Classico is an example of genuine Chianti.
Types of Chianti Classico
Vintage
12 months aging, 13%. Ruby red with purple tints. It smells of blueberries and cherries, there are spicy and floral notes. Unique rich taste. Long fruity aftertaste.
Reserve
24 months of exposure, 13%. Ruby color. The aroma is fruity and berry, cherry is felt. Dry taste with hints of pepper. Long fruity aftertaste.
Grand Selection
30 months aging, 13%. The color is ruby red. Intense spicy aroma. The taste is dry and balanced. Long aftertaste.
Bibbiano Chianti Classico
Crafted from all Bibbiano vines. Not aged in oak, so lighter in taste. Fresh, pleasantly sour. You can catch blackberry and plum shades.
Montornello Chianti Classico Riserva
It also belongs to the Bibbiano farm, but is grown on a separate plot of Montornello. Aged in French oak for a deeper taste. The color is a rich ruby, the aroma is musk and fruits. The taste is bright, but at the same time elegant.
Vigna del Capannino Chianti Grand Selection
The pride of the winery. Dark ruby color, has a multifaceted taste with fruity, mineral and balsamic hues.
How and with what to drink Chianti Classico
To fully enjoy the wine, you should open it a few hours before serving, so that it breathes.
The ideal serving temperature is between 16°C and 18°C. If the drink is warmer, then the strength of alcohol will block the aroma, if it is colder, then it will begin to sour. Serve in a tulip glass, narrowed at the top so that the bouquet is fully opened.
The versatility of wine allows you to combine it with dishes from a large number of cuisines. Ideal for grilled meats, stews, game, expensive cheeses. Even combinations with spicy Chinese or Indian food and Japanese sushi, which are so popular now, will be winning.
How to spot a fake Chianti Classico
The first and most obvious is a black rooster in a red frame on the packaging. But he is not always there.
The label must bear the abbreviation DOCG Chianti Classico. This is a guarantee that the wine is produced in Tuscany.
On the reverse side, check the manufacturer’s country code. For Italy, this is a series of numbers from 80 to 83.
Interesting Facts
The English loved this wine so much that they called Tuscany the Chianti County.
In 1867, at the International Exhibition in the capital of France, Chianti wine received a gold medal for the first time in the history of Italian wines.
This wine has been repeatedly mentioned in films, on the pages of books and PC games.
Chianti Classico is just a section of the “Chianti zone” located between Florence and Siena.
Relevance: 18.03.2020
Tags: Wine and vermouth, Wine brands