Chianti and Chianti Classico DOCG

Question 1

How many subzones of Chianti are there today? Name them.

Answer 1

Seven: Rufina, Montalbano, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Colline Pisane, Montespertoli

Question 2

In what years did Chianti gain DOC status, get upgraded to DOCG, and when did Chianti Classico become its own DOCG?

Answer 2

1967

1984

1996

Question 3

Which Chianti sub-zone is considered to be the highest quality zone?

Which sub-zone surrounds Montalcino and Montepulciano?

Answer 3

Rufina

Colli Senesi

Question 4

Which Chianti sub-zone is furthest West?

Which Chianti sub-zone is a newcomer, added in 1997?

Answer 4

Colline Pisane

Montespertoli

Question 5

What is the minimum % sangiovese required for Chianti DOCG?

what is the maximum % of white grapes allowed?

Answer 5

70%

10%

Question 6

Chianti DOCG allows for what max % of Bordeaux grapes?

Specifically, which 2 grapes?

Answer 6

15%

Cab Sauv & Cab Franc

Question 7

What higher quality designations exist for Chianti DOCG?

Answer 7

Superiore

Riserva

Labeled by sub-zone

Question 8

When, if ever, is ageing in wood required for any quality level of Chianti or Chianti Classico?

Answer 8

Only at the Riserva Chianti DOCG level for 3 sub-zones, Rufina, Senesi, and Fiorentini (6/8/6 months)

Question 9

Under what DOCG is Governo All’uso Toscano practiced?

What is it?

Answer 9

Only for Chianti DOCG

The historic practice, dating to the 1800’s, of partially drying the best bunches then adding them to the primary must, kickstarting a 2nd fermentation. must be on the label

Question 10

What are the general ageing timelines for Chianti DOCG’s 3 quality levels?

Answer 10

normale can be released 3.1 of next yr

superiore waits till 9.1 of next year

riserva requires 2 full years from jan 1st

Question 11

What are the sub-zones of Chianti Classico?

Answer 11

San Casciano in Val di Pesa
Greve in Chianti
Radda in Chianti
Gaiole in Chianti
Castelnuovo Berardenga
Castellina in Chianti
Poggibonsi
Barberino Val d’Elsa
Tavarnelle Val di Pesa

Question 12

What are the 2 major soil types of Chianti Classico?

What 2 minor soils play a role?

Answer 12

Galestro - Schistic Clay
Alberese - hard marlstone

Macigno - grey/blue sandstone
Calcareous Tufa - limestone

Question 13

What is the traditional vine training technique for Chianti Classico?

What modern one is preferred now?

Answer 13

Alberello - bush vine training

Guyot

Question 14

In which Chianti Classico zone is the Conca d’Oro? What is it?

Answer 14

Its in Greve, and its a galestro rich South facing slope.

Question 15

Which Chianti Classico zone reaches the highest elevations?

Answer 15

Radda in Chianti, up to 650 meters

Question 16

Which Chianti Classico Zone is warmest?

Answer 16

Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the South

Question 17

What are UGA’S and with which quality tier are they associated? How many are there?

Answer 17

Unita Geografiche Aggiuntive, or additional geographic units. They are for use with the Gran Selezione Chianti Classico tier. There are 11.

Question 18

In what Chianti Classico zone are the UGA’S Lamole, Panzano, and Montefioralle?

How about Vagliali?

Answer 18

In Greve

In Castelnuovo Berardenga

Question 19

Where is the San Donato UGA in Chianti Classico?

Answer 19

In the West, it encompasses Poggibonsi and Barberino Val d’Elsa

Question 20

What % Sangiovese is required of Chianti Classico?

Whats the maximum amount of Bordeaux varieties allowed?

Answer 20

80%

max 20%

Question 21

How much time ageing must Chianti Classico normale spend? Riserva?

How about Gran Selezione?

Answer 21

normale can be released oct 1 year after

riserva requires 2 years from jan 1st, 3 months in bottle.

gran selezione req 30 months from jan 1st, 3 months in bottle

Question 22

Whats a big focus of Gran Selezione in terms of the blend?

Answer 22

Its eliminating French grapes. As of 2027 none will be allowed in the blend, and only 10% traditional grapes will be allowed period.

Question 23

Other than the blend, whats required of gran selezione?

Answer 23

estate grown fruit
single vineyard
high min abv (13%)

Question 24

What is the traditional fermentation vessel for Chianti in general?

Answer 24

Slavonian Oak Botti, 1500L and can be much larger