Chianti Classico is the original Chianti area, the one Grand Duke Cosimo III delimited by decree in 1716: the hills between Florence and Siena around Greve, Panzano, Castellina, Radda, Gaiole, Castelnuovo Berardenga and San Casciano. Included in the Chianti DOCG from 1984, it has had its own regulations since 1996 and uses the Black Rooster, the ancient symbol of the Chianti League, as the consortium's emblem.
Sangiovese must make up at least 80% of the wine; the rest may be Canaiolo, Colorino or international red varieties, while white grapes are excluded. There are three versions: Annata ages for at least twelve months, Riserva for twenty-four and Gran Selezione, introduced in 2014, for thirty months and only from estate-grown grapes. Since 2021 Gran Selezione may show on the label one of eleven additional geographical units, corresponding to historic municipalities and hamlets.
Ruby red, with aromas of cherry, violet and notes of earth and spice, clear-cut tannins and acidity that calls for food: it is the wine of bistecca, pasta with ragù, wild boar and Tuscan pecorino.
