Chianti vs Chianti Classico Wine (What's the Difference?)

We all know the famous Italian red wine from Tuscany, made from the Sangiovese grape variety - Chianti. But it can get confusing - there is Chianti and then there is Chianti Classico. In this video I will discuss what is the difference between these two wines. Are they different in style, production and grape composition? And should we really think of these wines as two separate styles?

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CONTENTS OF THIS VIDEO:
0:00 Introduction
0:52 Overview
1:56 Grapes
2:54 Labeling
4:10 Quality
5:03 Subzones
6:09 Conclusion

#chianti #chianticlassico #wine

Photo credits for Chianti maps:
and would be glad to credit the owner of the Chianti Classico UGAs map at 5:55

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[drmatthewhorkey]

If there was a gun to my head and someone said I could only drink one region for the rest of my life, it might be Chianti Classico. Even though the prices are rising, they still offer TREMENDOUS value for money in the world of fine wine IMO. I love how Chianti Classico producers are so adamant that Chianti Classico is NOT a subzone of Chianti but a region all on its own.

[carogalo]

For some reason when I visited Rome I bought Nero D' Avola wine, this Sicilian wine impressed me, I don't know if it was because of the excitement of arriving in Italy, I have tried other styles but the Sicilian is my favorite.

[wannabedal-adx]

Of Italian red wines, I like Chianti the most and specifically Chianti Rufina. Great video to clear up the subject of Tuscan wines. I would like a Bordeaux left bank vs right bank next!!! (I love St. Emilion!!)

[nikolajkrarup]

Your videos are so well made and informative. Keep up your good work👍

[paulwhitehead]

I find Italy (let alone the regions and subregions), to be the most confusing country to choose wine from.. your videos really help..

[Ioshka]

Thank God for 5:37 (I was beginning to worry)
I appreciate you clarifying the Chiantis for me!!! It's always been a "grande confusione" for me... and now it all makes sense!

[djknucklez]

Chianti Classico is one of the best wines I have every drank in my life. Amazing!

[chrishorn]

This is great info and exactly what I was trying to understand.

[solomonmengeu]

Another great video Agnes, I think this one is pretty well made and discusses the difference between Chianti & Chianti Classico quite clearly. It is a very confusing subject and it took me a while to figure out the differences. The only issue that I have with Chianti Classico is the new Gran Selezione category, as it seems unnecessary and superfluous to me. As the price for these wines is quite a bit higher that CC Riserva and you can spend just another 10-15 euros/US$ and then get a BDM, which most wine aficionados say is the pinnacle of Sangiovese. For me a 8-10 year old well aged CC Riserva is quite lovely and has a great QPR. I don't think I can quite agree with the idea that Sangiovese is Italy's greatest cultivar, as there are so many other great black/red grapes e.g. Nebbiolo, Aglianico, Negroamaro, Nerello Mascalese, Barbera, Nero d' Avola, etc. Not to mention all of Italy's amazing white wines: Greco di Tufo, Fiano di Avellino, Etna Bianco, white cuvees from Alto Adige, Sardinian Vermentino and so many other amazing Italian white wines.

[panaceiasuberes]

At the last Wine Paris in February a producer of the Chianti Classico region was pretty happy with the current growth (30% in volume and 50% in value YOY from 2020 to 2021, which is remarkable) but he still couldn't address the elephant in the room, which is the same we have in my native Portugal with the Touriga Nacional. Because Sangiovese is 80% of the lot everybody starts cloning the grape with different expressions and now there's over 300 different clones of it that can be made taste like every single varietal in the larger Chianti region (In Portugal they have over 100 clones for the Touriga and the original grape is harder and harder to find every year).

The good thing is that there's an amazing consistency to the lots from year to year and the base notes are very easy to find.

The Gran Selezione introduced in 2014 (and that the top producers already had informally) its a remarkable tour the force and I would like that the "winery vines" requirement for this standard would be extended to all Classico because this way you'd have a more unique experience from producer to producer, like what happens in the Rioja region, for instance.

[ViktorTve]

Great video! The first time a red wine was very enjoyable to me was a chianti classico and ever since it has been my favorite type of wine. But I never knew about the differences, ive always just bought the classico whenever ive wanted chianti. Just opened a 25$ riserva to enjoy this saturday evening, and its as amazing as always.

[debugar]

I recommend trying wines from Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly from the Herzegovina region. You should especially try the wines from the Nuić winery.

Their Trnjak rivals the best Italian Chianti Classico and Argentine Malbec.
Additionally, I recommend another indigenous variety, Blatina, from the same winery.

[carlcadregari]

Lovely video. And I’m not at all opposed to adding a little white grapes to my reds….just like Rhône blends. 👍😎. Adds some complexity and some early drinking capabilities. But I am also fan of 100% varietal to show terroir. And I completely agree Cab and Merlot can over power Sangiovese. But that’s why we have Super Tuscans😁😁. The UGA’s will help too with Cru lovers…. 👍

[MarcioOliveira-vbdl]

Hi, thks to share so nice videos.🍷 Did you do a video about Primitivo Manduria x Puglia.

[netrgm]

I love Chianti Classico! Bellissimo cane! (Beautiful dog)

[lucifernos]

Hello Agnes, we learn a lot with you, they are valuable videos, when you tell us a little about your wine library? or recommended books. I hope you can answer greetings.

[charliefrago]

Great video. I’m gonna buy a similar Chianti and Chianti Classico, and compare.

[waterpure]

Chianti classico fonterutoli (the left bottle in scene) is the my best. I always keep in my celler. thanks for guiding chianti stuff.

[adrianserge]

Very informative and concise. How about a comparison between Brunello and Chianti Classico?

[joycejepchumba]

Hello dear, which book do you recommend for an upcoming sommelier