Unfortunately, the difference between Chianti Classico and Chianti is unclear to many, many people. But it would be desirable if at least the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry knew her…
In the collective imagination, but also for many enthusiasts, the difference between Chianti and Chianti Classico Is something not too clear. In fact, the subregion in which it is possible to make use of the Chianti DOCG is very large, covering almost half of Tuscany and including territories in the provinces of Florence, Siena, Arezzo, Pisa, Prato and Pistoia. A vast production, estimated at 750,000 hectoliters with a potential of 100 million bottles.
Historicity can be seen from the “Classic”
Since 1932, which has been recalled in all the various changes to the designation of origin since 1967, the oldest production area can make use of the specification “Classico” next to the word Chianti. Chianti Classico, therefore, comes from. a more limited area, which includes part of the provinces of Florence and Siena and has a production of one-fourth that of Chianti.
Chianti has 7 subzones
Alongside Chianti Classico, which now makes its own appellation, there are also many subzones of Chianti: Rufina, Montalbano, Montespertoli, Colline Pisane, Colli Aretini, Colli Senesi, Colli Fiorentini, and then there is Chianti Superiore, which is a particular type. All based on the Sangiovese, which must have between 70 percent and 80 percent in the blend depending on the different appellations, but it can also be used on its own for some years. In addition, there are the Riserva, with longer aging, and, for now only for Chianti Classico, the Gran Selezione, in the intentions the spearhead of the production in terms of quality, with lower yields and longer aging.
Reminder to Minister Lollobrigida
Why am I telling you all this? Because I would like someone to explain it to our Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty and I don’t know what else, Hon. Francesco Lollobrigida, who in his speech a few days ago for the centennial celebration of the Chianti Classico Consortium got a little confused. After, precisely, a century of battles to define the designation of that wine by producers in the historic area. After the
vulnus
that determined the use of the geographical name “Chianti” to an expanded territory, forcing historical ones to add the word “Classico” to claim their origin.
Just after all this, in short, he thought it best to turn to the producers of the Chianti Consortium instead of the Chianti Classico producers who had invited him and let him speak. I appeal to his staff, explain to him what he has to say. I understand that he has many commitments, including election commitments, however, at least the fundamentals…
