How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Chianti Classico, Italy
Located just outside of Florence, Chianti Classico is a region that resonates with history, tradition, and world famous wine. In this post we are talking about Chianti Classico DOCG which is different from Chianti DOCG. This protected region in Tuscany has strict regulations for its winemaking. This guarantees that no matter where in the specific region you decide to taste wine, you’ll be getting wines made primarily from the Sangiovese grape that meet specific chemical parameters and organoleptic characteristics. Be sure to look for the black rooster on the label! Keep reading for more information about this historic region, my top places to taste wine and great places to eat for your trip to Chianti Classico.
A Brief History of Chianti Classico
The name Chianti in terms of wine dates all the way back to the 14th century and since then has been an evolving wine region. In 1872, Barone Ricasoli created the first ‘Chianti Recipe’ highlighting the importance of Sangiovese. In 1924, the Chianti Classico Consortium was founded and chose the Black Rooster as its symbol. Since then, strict regulations have been put in place and the creation of UGAs have been established.
The Black Rooster
Why is the black rooster the symbol for Chianti Classico? The legend of the black rooster dates back to the Middle Ages when Florence and Siena were in a war over who should control the Chianti area. They decided to end the fighting with a unique challenge. On a set day, two knights would ride out from their cities and meet somewhere in between. Wherever they met would be the new border. Siena picked a white rooster to wake their knight at dawn, keeping it well fed and happy. Florence went with a black rooster and kept it in a tiny cage, barely feeding it.
On the big day, the starving black rooster started crowing super early because it was desperate for food. This gave the Florentine knight a head start. The Sienese knight’s well-fed rooster, however, didn’t crow until later. In the end, the knights met just outside Siena, and that’s how the border was decided and the black rooster became the symbol of Chianti Classico.
The 11 UGAs of Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico is divided into 11 Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive (UGAs), each showcasing unique terroirs that contribute to the diversity of its wines. The UGAs include:
- San Casciano: Closest to Florence and one of the warmest climates in Chianti Classico with uniform alluvial soils.
- Greve: Most vineyards are concentrated on its slopes and home to many popular wineries.
- Radda: Known for its altitude and cooler climate, producing wines with high acidity and aging potential.
- Castellina: Located at a higher altitude but considered one of the warmest UGAs.
- Gaiole: Located at the foot of the Monti del Chianti range, it is one of the cooler UGAs.
- Panzano: Contains two main slopes that offer unique microclimates creating interesting and versatile wines.
- Montefioralle: Fairly uniform with sandstone and alberese soils, there are geological variations from north to south and elevations can reach over 500 meters.
- San Donato in Poggio: Located on the western edge of Chianti Classico zone with stonier soils.
- Vagliagli: Close to Siena in the Southern part of Chianti Classico, the altitudes gradually decline but stay at 400m.
- Lamole: The smallest UGA with vineyards on a single, mostly east-facing slope located at 500 meters in elevation creating a cool microclimate.
- Castelnuovo Berardenga: Southernmost UGA of Chianti Classico with more open valleys and alberese soil.
When planning your wine tasting visits in Chianti Classico, I highly recommend trying to visit a few different UGAs to explore different terroirs.
The Three Tiers of Chianti Classico Wine
Chianti Classico wine is categorized into three tiers based on quality and aging requirements: Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva, and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione.
- Chianti Classico Annata: The basic Chianti Classico must contain at least 80% Sangiovese grapes and undergo a minimum aging of 12 months, including at least three months in the bottle.
- Chianti Classico Riserva: The Riserva tier requires a minimum aging of 24 months, with at least three months in the bottle, allowing for a more refined flavor profile.
- Chianti Classico Gran Selezione: The Gran Selezione tier represents the highest quality, made from selected grapes from a single estate, requiring a minimum aging of 30 months, including at least three months in the bottle.
How to Get To Chianti Classico
The closest airport to the region of Chianti Classico is Florence. I recommend flying into Florence and then renting a car to drive around at your leisure. If you are coming from Rome, you could drive or take the train into Siena or Florence and get a car from there. A private driver is also an option but is more expensive. Getting a rental car is super easy and allows you to visit the small towns and wineries at your own pace!
There are many incredible rental properties to stay in throughout the region. You can also find luxury hotels, boutique hotels, and rental places in some of the main towns such as Greve and Panzano.
Wineries to Visit in Chianti Classico
No trip to Chianti Classico would be complete without visiting its renowned wineries. Here are some must-visit producers:
Casa Emma
Located near San Donato in Poggio, Casa Emma is known for its charming atmosphere and high-quality wines. The winery is the only one of its kind to use geese as a natural herbicide. They create all tiers of Chianti Classico and also create unique wines that age in a round terracotta vessel that also see skin contact.
Pomona
Pomona stands out for its commitment to organic farming and sustainable practices. The family-run winery prides itself on producing wines that reflect the true essence of the Chianti terroir. Monica Raspi, the owner and winemaker, took over the family business in 2007. Our visit here was filled with incredible hospitality which included some of their best wines and a homemade dinner. If you’re looking for a family style experience for your trip to Chianti Classico this should be a must-visit.
Castello Vicchiomaggio
This historic castle winery is one of the most beautiful properties I’ve visited in Chianti Classico. Not only are they making some incredible wines in the UGA of Greve, but they also have beautiful rooms that you can rent to stay in on property. You can book wine tasting tours and experiences on the Castello Vicchiomaggio website.
Lamole di Lamole
Perched on the highest vineyards sites of Chianti Classico sits Lamole di Lamole. On our visit, we learned the importance of ripe grapes in Chianti Classico and were able to harvest a few clusters from one of their vineyards. We enjoyed many of the Lamole di Lamole wines over lunch and were also treated to the 2015 Vinsanto made from Trebbiano and Malvasia.
Fontodi
Fontodi is a pioneer in biodynamic farming and has gained acclaim for its commitment to quality. Located in Panzano, the estate is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, creating a serene backdrop for wine tasting. We had the pleasure of tasting with Giovanni Manetti, owner of Fontodi and Chairman of the Chianti Classico Consorzio. Giovanni is very passionate about the Chianti Classico region and because of that does not charge for tastings. If you want to come for a visit and tasting, be sure to book in advance. Don’t miss the iconic Flaccianello della Pieve which is made from 100% Sangiovese harvested from their very best vineyards.
Castello di Ama
Castello di Ama is the perfect blend of art and wine. Known not just for its wines but also for its impressive collection of contemporary art. Visitors can take a guided tour of the vineyards and cellars while appreciating the art installations throughout the estate. The tasting experience is exquisite, with a focus on their prestigious wines that beautifully express the terroir. A suprise tasting was of their 2021 ‘Il Chiuso’ Pinot Noir that had notes of delicious red fruits and refreshing acidity.
Ricasoli
If you’re looking for a historic and regal tasting experience on your trip to Chianti Classico, Ricasoli should be added to your list. As one of the oldest wineries in Italy, Ricasoli has a winemaking history dating back to 1141. The estate is known for its significant contributions to Chianti’s winemaking techniques and offers a fascinating insight into the region’s evolution. If you’re able, take a tour of the Castello di Brolio where some of the family still lives to this day. Sharing the same name of the castle is the Castello di Brolio Gran Selezione wine which was one of my favorites from our tasting.
Where to Eat in Chianti Classico
After a day of exploring vineyards, savoring the local cuisine is a must. Here are some top dining recommendations:
Locanda di Pietracupa
Located in a tranquil setting, Locanda di Pietracupa emphasizes farm-to-table dining. The menu features seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. Pair your meal with a Chianti Classico from the region for a truly authentic experience. Here we tasting wines from Castello di Monsanto to go with our meal that were delicious.
Ristoro di Lamole
Ristoro di Lamole is known for its traditional Tuscan dishes, warm ambiance, and stunning views. The handmade pasta and local meats are must-tries, and the wine list features selections from nearby wineries. We tried an incredible traditional method sparkling Sangiovese that I’m still dreaming about! It’s the perfect spot to grab lunch after a visit to Lamole di Lamole winery.
Cecchini’s Officina della Bistecca
For meat lovers, Cecchini’s is a culinary gem. Famous for its Florentine steak, this restaurant offers a very unique dining experience. The focus is on high-quality, locally sourced meats and communal dining. Red wine is already included on the table, or you can bring your own wine for no corkage fee. We dined with some members of Fontodi and were treated to a few back vintages that went incredibly well with the steak. Be prepared to be stuffed with some of the best grilled meat in Tuscany!
Pruneti
Pruneti is a family-run establishment located in Greve that specializes in olive oil and offers an educational experience. No trip to Chianti Classico is complete without trying some of the region’s best olive oils! We tried an insanely delicious Aperol Spritz cocktail made with olive oil that is a must-try. The owners also recently opened the Extra Floor Restaurant. Here visitors can dine on exceptional tuscan cuisine prepared with some of their finest olive oils.
I truly believe a visit to Chianti Classico is a must-visit for any wine lover. It’s more than just a wine-tasting excursion; it’s a journey through history, culture, and culinary artistry. I hope this blog post helped with your planning and has gotten you excited for a trip to Chianti Classico! For more Italian Travel posts, check out my guide to Taormina and the Mount Etna Region of Sicily, and my 48 Hour Travel Guide to Lake Como.
