📍 Chianti

Chianti is an Italian protected designation of origin (DOCG) for wines from a large hilly area of Tuscany in the provinces of Arezzo, Florence, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato and Siena. It was first recognised as a DOC by a decree of 9 August 1967. Chianti Classico, the historic zone between Florence and Siena, is a separate DOCG with its own rules.

The main grape is Sangiovese. Since the rule change of 5 June 2026 it must make up at least 60% of the vineyard blend instead of 70%. Other varieties suitable for Tuscany may complete it, but white grapes may not exceed 10%, and Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon together 15% (10% in the Colli Senesi sub-zone).

There are eight sub-zones: Colli Aretini, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colline Pisane, Montalbano, Montespertoli, Rufina and, since 2026, Terre di Vinci. Besides the basic red there are Chianti Riserva, Chianti Superiore and, since 2026, Chianti Rosé. Basic Chianti may yield up to 11 tonnes of grapes per hectare, the sub-zones and Superiore 9–9.5 tonnes.

The rules keep the old Tuscan practice of «governo all'uso toscano», a slow refermentation of the new wine with slightly dried grapes; it is not allowed for rosé. Basic Chianti may be released from 1 March after the harvest, Rufina, Superiore and Terre di Vinci only from 1 September. If Chianti is sold in a fiasco, it must be the traditional Tuscan straw-covered flask, and rosé may not be sold in one.