Chianti & Chianti Classico

Chianti is one of Tuscany's most renowned wine regions. This mountainous region has pretty hilltop towns, sweeping vineyards, and olive groves. There are seven subzones, each with their own style of wine: Colli Arentini, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Montalbano, Montespertoli, and Rúfina.

Separately, there is Chianti Classico, which refers to the heartland of the DOCG, located between Florence and Siena. Here, you will find the more serious styles of wines, including many of Tuscany's greatest wine producers.

The backbone of Chianti and its subregions, as well as Chianti Classico, is the Sangiovese grape. It's a requirement that Sangiovese must make up 70% of the blend in Chianti and its subzones and a higher 80% in Chianti Classico. This grape variety is responsible for the unique character and quality of Chianti wines. Alongside Nebbiolo, it is the highest regarded of Italy's black grape varieties.

In 2014, a new category was created, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. These wines are the pinnacle of excellence in Classico, a category that has had a surprisingly high uptake from producers. Why let Brunello take all the limelight?