Hi! I’m Lucia, and for the past two years, I’ve been welcoming visitors from all over the world to a winery right in the heart of Chianti Classico.
Every day, I guide guests among barrels and vineyards, explaining how wine is made in this extraordinary land and answering their (many!) questions. Here are the ones I’m asked most often—and the answers I’d give during a Winery Tour Chianti with Tuscany Uncorked Wine Tours, or over a good glass of wine.
What is Chianti?
Chianti is much more than just wine: it’s a symbol of Tuscany, and in some ways, of Italy itself. There’s even a legend about young Domenico Modugno, who, with little money left in his pocket, drank a bottle of Chianti in a tavern while staring at a Chagall print of a flying man. From this, it seems, he drew inspiration for his famous song, “Nel blu dipinto di blu“.
But let’s talk facts. Chianti is a red wine produced mainly from Sangiovese grapes, sometimes blended with local varieties like Canaiolo and Colorino, or international grapes such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. The result? A vibrant wine, ruby in color, well-structured, pleasantly acidic, and fruity. It’s incredibly versatile: perfect with traditional Tuscan dishes, grilled meats, aged cheeses, or even just a charcuterie board.
Chianti isn’t simply a “Tuscan wine”. It originates from a specific area: the hills between Florence and Siena, famously known as the “Chianti Hills,” a postcard-perfect landscape of vineyards, cypress trees, and medieval villages.
FAQ: How far is Chianti from Florence?
Chianti starts just about 20 kilometers from Florence, making it easily accessible for a day trip or a winery tour.
A Bit of History: From the Etruscans to DOCG
Chianti’s roots date back to the Etruscans, an ancient civilization fascinated by Greek culture and deeply passionate about wine. They were among the first to cultivate vines in Tuscany, creating a lasting bond with wine that continues today.
The name “Chianti” might even originate from an Etruscan toponym. However, the region officially appears in historical records during the Middle Ages with the formation of the “Lega del Chianti” (Chianti League), a political and military alliance under Florentine rule. Its symbol was the famous Gallo Nero (Black Rooster), still the trademark of the Chianti Classico Consortium today.
In 1716, Grand Duke Cosimo III de’ Medici signed an edict that first defined specific wine-producing zones, including Chianti. This was effectively the first-ever protected designation of origin, a precursor to today’s DOCG classification.
Why Is the Black Rooster the Symbol of Chianti? A Legendary Story
The Black Rooster has symbolized Chianti Classico for centuries, dating back to the medieval “Chianti League” the military alliance between villages in the Tuscan hills and the city of Florence. The iconic rooster can even be seen in Giorgio Vasari’s famous fresco, “L’Allegoria del Chianti” (The Allegory of Chianti), displayed in the Salone dei Cinquecento at Palazzo Vecchio.
The rooster gained fame through a legendary tale of cunning rivalry involving a dawn horse race. Florence and Siena, longtime rivals, decided to peacefully settle their territorial dispute in Chianti through an ingenious competition. At the first rooster’s crow, a rider from each city would race toward the other; their meeting point would mark the boundary.
Siena chose a pampered white rooster, while Florence selected a black rooster, which they kept hungry and restless. As a result, the black rooster crowed well before dawn, giving Florence a huge advantage. By the time Siena’s rider started, the Florentine had already claimed most of the Chianti territory for Florence.
This story is still told today—with slight variations—by both sides: Florentines celebrate their cleverness, while the Sienese… well, let’s say they haven’t completely gotten over it.
Today, the Black Rooster still adorns every bottle of Chianti Classico, symbolizing tradition, wit, history, and identity.
Chianti vs. Chianti Classico: Clearing Up the Confusion
People often confuse Chianti with Chianti Classico, but the difference matters. In the early 1900s, Chianti’s popularity led to the expansion of its production area beyond the historic hills. To protect original quality and identity, 33 producers founded the Chianti Classico Consortium in 1924, aiming to preserve the historic boundaries established by Cosimo III in 1716.
Thus, Chianti is produced over a broader area, while Chianti Classico is limited to the original territory. Legally, Chianti Classico is not a sub-zone but a distinct DOCG.
Two technical details:
- Chianti Classico requires at least 80% Sangiovese and must age for at least 12 months.
- CC Riserva and CC Gran Selezione versions require even longer aging.
- Chianti must have at least 70% Sangiovese.
How is Chianti Classico Made?
The first “recipe” for Chianti dates back to 1872, created by Bettino Ricasoli, a historic Tuscan winemaker. Interestingly, his original blend included white grapes like Malvasia, now prohibited in Chianti Classico. The recipe was recommending 70% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo and 15% Malvasia Bianca.
Today, each winery has its own style. Fermentation can occur in stainless steel, concrete, or wooden vats, with aging in oak barrels (large or small), depending on the winemaker’s preference. The result is an elegant, profound wine with aromas ranging from cherry and tobacco to spices and violets.
What Do I Love About My Job?
Many things make my job special, but if I had to pick two: nature and people.
Working in the countryside connects you deeply to the seasons. In spring, vineyards bloom with wildflowers; in summer, rows buzz with life—birds, bees, swallows—and autumn turns leaves into gold and ruby shades, with the winery filled with the scent of freshly made wine.
Then there are visitors: people come from around the world, often from other wine regions, leading to lively exchanges and great conversations over a glass of wine. It’s these interactions that make every tour unique and remind me daily why I love what I do.
Is a Winery Tour in Chianti Classico Worth It?
Absolutely, yes! A winery tour in Chianti Classico is far more than just wine tasting—it’s a deep dive into authentic Tuscan culture, history, and natural beauty.
Wineries here are often small, family-run businesses where you can speak directly with those who make the wine. This is why I always recommend small-group wine tasting tours in Tuscany—they allow visits to intimate places that don’t accommodate large tour buses but offer genuine, unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious, Chianti Classico will amaze you—and maybe, just like Modugno, inspire you to dream.
These and many other fascinating stories are just waiting for you with Tuscany Uncorked.
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