An Italian Classico

Chianti Classico, a distinguished wine region in Tuscany, Italy, is renowned for producing some of the world's most iconic wines. Situated between the cities of Florence and Siena, the Chianti Classico zone spans picturesque landscapes of rolling hills and historic vineyards, creating a terroir that imparts a unique character to its wines.

The heart of Chianti Classico winemaking lies in its primary grape variety, Sangiovese. This indigenous grape thrives in the region's clayey soils and under the Mediterranean climate, producing wines that are known for their elegance, structure, and vibrant acidity.

Chianti Classico wines must contain a minimum of 80% Sangiovese, with the remainder typically comprised of indigenous grape varieties such as Canaiolo, Colorino, and international varieties like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.

One of the distinctive features of Chianti Classico wines is the black rooster, or "Gallo Nero," emblem on the bottle. This symbolizes the Consortium of Chianti Classico, established in 1924 to protect and promote the region's wines. The consortium enforces strict regulations to maintain the high standards and authenticity of Chianti Classico wines.

This example is from the Banfi Winery, located in Montalcino, Tuscany. Established in 1978 by the Mariani family, Banfi has become a global icon of excellence in the wine industry. The estate encompasses a sprawling 7,100 acres, with meticulously tended vineyards that produce grapes of exceptional quality. One of Banfi's distinguishing features is its dedication to sustainability, the estate embraces organic farming practices, emphasizing environmental stewardship and priotising biodiversity and implementing eco-friendly initiatives that preserve the land.