The differences between the three types of Chianti Classico: Annata, Riserva and Grande Selezione
The information on the Black Rooster pyramid distinguished by chemical and organoleptic characteristics and the refinement times foreseen by the specification.
Chianti Classico is one of the best known and most appreciated Italian wines in the world, it is characterized by the famous symbol of the Black Rooster and produced in the historical territory between the two provinces of Florence and Siena.
It is produced from Sangiovese grapes, to which traditional varieties such as Canaiolo, Colorino, or international varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are commonly added.
Chianti Classico is offered in three simple different types that represent its qualitative pyramid: Chianti Classico ‘Annata’, Chianti Classico ‘Riserva‘ and Chianti Classico ‘Gran Selezione’. Let’s find out the characteristics of these types together.
Chianti Classico ‘Annata’
The vintage Chianti Classico represents the basic version of the qualitative pyramid of the Chianti Classico.
It is the wine with the most immediate characteristics: fresh, slender and flowing, very played on the famous pounding acidity of Sangiovese, which gives great freshness, but also on the intense and seductive fruity floral notes of cherry and violet.
Ideal for daily consumption, or food combinations that require greater freshness and less complexity and structure.
Chianti Classico ‘Annata’ Regulations:
The Chianti Classico Annata can be released for consumption no earlier than the 1st October following the harvest.
– color: more or less intense ruby red;
– smell: intense, floral, characteristic;
– flavor: dry, fresh, sapid, slightly tannic which is refined with time;
– minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 12.00% vol;
– minimum total acidity: 4.5 g / l;
– minimum non-reducing extract: 24.0 g / l. 2.
Chianti Classico ‘Riserva’
The Chianti Classico Riserva represents the middle range of the qualitative pyramid of the Chianti Classico.
The characteristics of the Chianti Classico Riserva correspond to a structured and complex wine, which thanks to a prolonged aging has smoothed out the more angular tannins and acidity, intrinsic to the younger Sangiovese, thus becoming more elegant, velvety and harmonious.
The aging in wood also allows the wine to acquire more complex aromas of vanilla, leather and tobacco and roasting, which go to combine with the fruity floral ones from Sangiovese, thus going to outline a finer and more complex olfactory bouquet.
Versatile wine for many occasions and of great potential with the gastronomic pairing even with more complex foods.
Chianti Classico ‘Riserva’ regulations:
Chianti Classico Riserva has an aging period of at least 24 months, of which at least 3 months of aging in bottle before being put on the market.
The wine with controlled and guaranteed denomination of origin “Chianti Classico” Riserva, when released for consumption, must meet the following characteristics:
– color: intense ruby red, tending to garnet with aging;
– smell: intense fruity and persistent;
– flavor: dry, balanced with good tannins;
– minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 12.50% vol;
– minimum total acidity: 4.5 g / l;
– minimum non-reducing extract: 25.0 g / l. 3.
Chianti Classico ‘Grande Selezione’
The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione represents the pinnacle of the qualitative pyramid of the Chianti Classico and stands at around 8/10% of the entire denomination. This typology is produced with grapes coming from a single vineyard, the most suitable, or from a selection of the best company grapes.
The characteristics of the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione highlight a wine of great structure, volume and finesse, thanks to a prolonged aging it has completely smoothed out the tannins and the most angular acidity, becoming a sumptuous, solemn and meditative wine, with silky tannins. The scents are varied and complex, ranging from ripe forest fruits notes to dried fruit, enriched with tertiary notes of vanilla, leather and tobacco and roasting and ethereal nuances.
Ideal for the gastronomic combination on dishes of great complexity and structure but also as a meditation wine for the tasting of enthusiasts.
The aging in wood also allows the wine to acquire more complex aromas that go to bind to the floral fruity ones from Sangiovese, thus going to outline a finer and more complex olfactory bouquet.
Chianti Classico ‘Grande Selezione’ regulations:
The “Chianti Classico” wine destined for “Gran Selezione” can be released for consumption only after being subjected to at least 30 months of aging of which refinement in the bottle for at least 3 months. The aging period is calculated from 1st January of the year following the harvest
The wine with controlled and guaranteed denomination of origin “Chianti Classico” Gran Selezione, when released for consumption, must meet the following characteristics:
– color: intense ruby red tending to garnet with aging;
– smell: spicy and persistent;
– flavor: dry, persistent, balanced;
– minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 13.00% vol;
– minimum total acidity: 4.5 g / l;
– minimum non-reducing extract: 26.0 g / l.
