Discover Chianti in six wines
Chianti is found in hilly central Italy under the Apennine foothills, in the triangle formed by the points of Florence, Siena, and Pisa. One of the most iconic Italian wine regions, it is celebrated for its Sangiovese-based reds, which span delicious regional styles to top-tier age-worthy, estate-produced expressions. Admired for their layered red fruit, bright acidity, balsamic notes, and terroir expression, around 800,000 hectoliters are produced annually. Renowned producers include Antinori, Castello di Ama, Castello di Volpaia, Felsina, and Fontodi.
Fast facts
Name: Chianti is possibly derived from the Latin word “clangor”. This means “noise” and is connected to the sounds of the region’s historic hill hunting.
Location: Chianti and Chianti sub-zones cover around 70,000 hectares of vineyards. Admired for its rolling hills, vineyard elevation ranges from 250 to 600 meters.
Climate and Soil: The Chianti region benefits from a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The surrounding hills have a moderating influence, with the best Tuscan vineyards enjoying south, southwest, or southeast orientations. Soils are diverse, ranging from schist-rich clay and hard limestone to alluvial deposits. All of these climatic and environmental features contribute to rich and expressive styles of Chianti.
Grapes: Sangiovese is the main grape, making up between 70% and 100% of this Tuscan wine. Other black grapes sometimes included in blends are local varieties, Canaiolo, Colorino, and Malvasia Nera, and, occasionally, international varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Traditionally, small quantities of white grapes, Malvasia Bianca and Trebbiano Toscano, have been included in Chianti blends, but this is less common today.
Appellation: Chianti was first recognized as a DOC in 1967 with seven subzones. The entire region gained DOCG status in 1984. Chianti has a clear pyramid hierarchy. At the base of the pyramid is Chianti DOCG, which encompasses a wide swathe of Tuscany. Next are the Chianti DOCG subzones Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Rufina, Colli Aretini, Colline Pisane, and Montalbano, which indicate more specific origins. Separated from these in 1996 is Chianti Classico DOCG, the historic centre of winemaking found between Florence and Siena. Within this band, wines range from Annata (basic) to Riserva (more extended aging), and finally Gran Selezione – Chianti produced from estate-grown grapes. The newest category is Terre di Vinci, covering four Florence-area communes.
Food pairing: Chianti is a medium-bodied wine featuring concentrated red fruit and herby notes balanced by fresh acidity and hints of balsamic. These characteristics make it a versatile pairing wine, going well with Italian favorites like tomato-based pasta sauces, pizza, and roasted poultry. Younger Chianti matches well with grilled vegetables, mushroom risotto, pork dishes, and cured meats, while longer-aged styles are perfect for braised meats and aged cheeses like Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Fun fact: The label symbol of Chianti Classico is the Black Rooster or Gallo Nero in Italian. The story goes that, in medieval times, a black rooster crowed early in a boundary race between Florence and Siena, giving the former city the advantage in setting regional boundaries.
Westgarth Wines has curated a diverse selection of this much-admired Italian red wine from our portfolio for you to explore.
Indulge in the wines:
Famed for terroir-driven, single-vineyard wines, Fontodi, under the Manetti family since 1968, showcases its skills with the 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo. Powerful and muscular with impressive depth and firm, well-integrated, slightly rustic tannins, this red boasts dark fruit, chocolate, herb, menthol hints, and spice. Vigna del Sorbo is nourished by schist-rich soils and faces southwest at an altitude of 400 meters, encouraging perfect ripeness.
Founded in 1962 in Classico country, Castello di Monsanto was one of the first Tuscan wineries to produce a Classico Riserva, establishing a new gold standard for the region’s wines. This formidable wine, reflecting a long, warm growing season, features intense red cherry, menthol notes, licorice, and leather blended seamlessly in a balanced, polished expression. Led by Sangiovese with a splash of Canaiolo and Colorino, this Riserva is unfolding nicely now.
The same wine from a different vintage, this Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and Colorino blend mirrors the cooler 2010 in a finessed and graceful wine, with outstanding balance and poise. Rich forest fruits, toasted almond, spicy, balsamic hints, a touch of cola, and dark licorice are enrobed by satiny tannins set off by vibrant acidity. Coming into its own now, this red is a fine example of the terroir sensitivity of this Monsanto and the heights Chianti can reach.
Located in the municipality of Gaiole in the heart of Chianti Classico country, Castello di Ama was founded in 1976 by four ambitious families originally from Rome, determined to craft exceptional wines from this historic vinicultural center. All of the estate’s vines are located within 1.5 km of the winery and tended with sustainable principles. This 2018 Classico is rich and layered with black cherry, blackberry, menthol notes, graphite, and traces of iron, framed by robust, polished tannins and closing with a long chalky finish. Sangiovese and a dash of Malvasia Nera make up this notable blend.
For another fine example of Gran Selezione and a further red from Castello di Ama, this 2020 won’t disappoint. This single vineyard Sangiovese showcases concentrated blackberry, stewed plum, black rose, and sweet, earthy notes. A sunny growing season adds to the depth and intensity of this Chianti, resulting in a wine that’s bold and accessible without sacrificing the finesse the designation is known for.
Another illustrious name in Chianti winemaking is Felsina, renowned for cultivating a wide palette of Sangiovese clones and rootstocks, in a deep exploration of the leading local grape. The wine comes from the Rancia vineyard, nourished by fine limestone and marl. This Riserva ages for 18 to 20 months in French oak, followed by around eight months of bottle maturation. The 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia displays aromatic elegance and bold, dense dark fruit in a taut mouth with a powerful structure and silky tannins leading to an explosive, lingering finish.
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