Ask any wine drinker on the planet, and chances are they'll have heard of "Chianti". Yet even 80 years since the top area was set aside as "Chianti Classico", surprisingly few appreciate the vast difference in quality between Chianti Classico and other subregions in Chianti.
What sets the black rooster apart (yes, the black rooster belongs to specifically Chianti Classico not Chianti as a whole) is the huge variety and potential discoverable within Chianti Classico. Its steep hills and low valleys provide more unique microclimates and altitudes to exploit than any other region in Italy.
The Italian Government further divides Chianti Classico into 9 communes or municipalities, and a growing number of wine producers feel these could be the key to better expressing their areas to you the consumer. The idea would be similar to what happens in Burgundy – each commune would become a sub-appellation and this would be clearly visible on the label.
I fully agree that Chianti Classico's rich diversity needs to be explained, which is why I've made this wine internet TV series "Chianti Classico Diaries" with an episode for each of the nine communes – Castellina in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Greve in Chianti (including Panzano), Radda in Chianti, Barberino Val d’Elsa, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Poggibonsi, San Casciano in Val di Pesa and Tavarnelle Val di Pesa.
Whether or not the internal politics of the region can allow producers to improve their labelling in the near future remains to be seen, but at the very least I hope this series I created will inform you as a premium subscriber of JamesSuckling.com on the outstanding variety Chianti Classico should be appreciated for. The passion and information I've collected from the wine producers of Chianti Classico give unparalleled insight into a region you need to know more about!
-JS
For scores on the producers featured in this episode, and for others from the commune of Barberino Val d'Elsa, click here.
The vidoe was first published in September, 2013.
