THE VILLAGES OF CHIANTI CLASSICO

For years, Chianti Classico producers have debated how to make their appellation more readable for consumers. Unlike Barolo and Barbaresco, which delimited their crus years ago, Chianti Classico has a vast territory, large estates and a multitude of vineyard altitudes, microclimates and soils that make defining specific vineyard areas a herculean task.

However, proposals to divide the denomination by townships and hamlets have gained new momentum among producers and their consorzio.

“Instead of zoning Chianti Classico into hundreds of smaller areas that have no name recognition for consumers, dividing it by its comuni or townships and a few distinct hamlets will give consumers a better understanding of the wine and its specific origins,” says Giovanni Manetti, president of Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico.

Critics argue that varied growing conditions in the sprawling communes make it difficult to distinguish a village’s identity. Yet, differences exist among the townships in terms of growing conditions, history and “the human factor, such as exchanging information and experience among producers in each town,” says Manetti.

Drilling down in Chianti Classico is long overdue. Of Italy’s flagship wines, none create more consumer confusion, and the trouble starts with its name. Spanning eight municipalities between Florence and Siena, Chianti Classico was the original growing area in Chianti, but it’s now an independent appellation.

In terms of