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    Chianti Classico

    Italy

    Hills between Florence and Siena, galestro and alberese, and a boundary drawn in 1716.

    30–50° N30–50° SequatorChianti Classico
    Vineyard area
    7 200 ha1
    Country
    Italy
    Rocks in the profile
    topsoil, clay, limestone

    Galestro and alberese

    The rules describe soils on sandstone, calcareous marl and clay schists: a shield of galestro, scaly clays alternating with alberese limestone. The soil is generally shallow, young and brown.2 Alberese dominates the central and southern area; large sandstone rocks mark the Monti del Chianti ridge.1

    topsoilclaylimestone
    Schematic profile based on the sources, not to scale.

    Rules

    Vineyards may not lie above 700 metres. Chianti Classico must contain 80 to 100% Sangiovese, Gran Selezione 90 to 100%.2 Minimum ageing is 12 months for Annata, 24 for Riserva and 30 for Gran Selezione, the last two including 3 months in bottle.3 The climate is continental, with very low winter temperatures.2

    Timeline

    1. 1716

      Cosimo III de' Medici sets the boundaries of the production zone.4

    2. 1924

      The Consortium is founded in Radda on 14 May.4

    3. 1996

      A decree of 5 August makes Chianti Classico an autonomous DOCG.4

    Grapes

    Soils

    Sources

    1. Chianti Classico tasting booklet. Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico, 2024. level 4 · checked 2026-10-13
    2. Disciplinare di produzione dei vini a DOCG «Chianti Classico» (consolidated text, last amended DM 22.06.2023; copy hosted by AIS). MASAF / Associazione Italiana Sommelier (host), 2023. level 1 · checked 2026-10-13
    3. Wine types. Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico. level 4 · checked 2026-10-13
    4. History of Chianti Classico. Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico. level 4 · checked 2026-10-13