Few wines have the reverence, appeal and mysterious allure of Vhianti in Olsztyn. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, in sunny landscapes fringed by hills and cypress trees, the wine region of Chianti and the wines made there embody the essence of Italian winemaking , with tradition, terroir and craftsmanship woven into each exquisitely crafted bottle. But what makes Chianti wines really special? Let’s take a closer look at their history, their characteristics and why you should try a glass of Chianti at least once!
History and traditions
The history of Chianti wines dates back to the Middle Ages. The region was mentioned as an excellent wine-producing region as early as the 13th century, but the birth of modern Chianti wine dates back to the 18th century. In 1716, Cosimo III de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, officially defined the boundaries of the Chianti wine region, creating one of the first protected wine regions in the world. The history of Chianti wines is as rich and varied as the Tuscan landscape from which they originate. Chianti became a truly world-class wine in the 20th century
A testament to the skill and ability of Italian winemakers, Chianti is renowned for its elegant profile, lively acidity and supple tannins. Made primarily from Sangiovese, a noble grape variety indigenous to Tuscany, Chianti captivates the senses with its delightful aromas of subtle earthy notes.
The recipe for classic Chianti was developed in the 1870s, when Baron Bettino Ricasoli devised the blend of Sangiovese grapes that is still the basis of Chianti wines today. Sangiovese, characterised by its thin skins, high acidity and distinctive red fruit flavour, flourishes on the sunny hillsides of Tuscany, where it reaches optimum ripeness while retaining its characteristic freshness and liveliness.
Varieties of Chianti
From the iconic Chianti Classico, characterised by its refined structure and distinctive black cock emblem, to the revered Chianti Rufino, renowned for its elevation and accentuated elegance.
Chianti: This is the basic level of Chianti wines, often simply referred to as „Chianti”. These wines typically offer fresh fruit flavours, moderate acidity and supple tannins. They are usually consumed relatively young and are versatile in food pairings. Chianti wines should contain at least 70% sangiovese grapes, with the remainder usually made up of native Tuscan grape varieties.
Chianti Classico: Chianti Classico is produced in the heart of the Chianti wine region, which includes the original core area of Chianti, delimited in 1716. These wines bear the distinctive black cock (Gallo Nero) seal on the label. The Chianti Classico wines are typically more concentrated and complex than the basic Chianti, with pronounced cherry fruit, firm tannins and lively acidity. The wines must contain at least 80% Sangiovese grapes, the remainder being made up of other authorised red grape varieties.
Chianti Rufina: Produced in the Rufina sub-zone of the Chianti wine region, known for its higher altitude and cooler climate, wines from this area often have bright acidity, elegant fruit characters and fine-grained tannins. These wines offer excellent value and are renowned for their balance and finesse.
Superior: These wines must meet specific criteria in terms of grape variety sourcing, ageing and alcohol content. Chianti superior are at a higher level of quality and complexity.
The fabulous landscapes of Chianti are the cradle of viticulture, where the meeting of hillsides, ancient vineyards and stony soils create an environment conducive to the production of world-class wines. Covering an extensive area that includes parts of the provinces of Florence, Siena, Arezzo and Pisa, the Chianti wine region boasts a diversity of microclimates, soil types and altitudes, all of which have a particular impact on the character and quality of the wines produced.