What is the difference between Chianti and Chianti Classico?
Chianti Classico is a wine region between Florence and Siena, while the area of Chianti is extended further down to Pisa and Arezzo. Chianti Classico term is used to separate the original (first founded in 1398) Chianti wines and wineries from other Chianti created later and manufactured in other territories.
For getting the best of the Chianti wines always pay attention to the label. “Chianti Classico” or “Gran Riserva” is your first choice. These are original, excellent quality Tuscany wines.
Both are wines from Tuscany in central Italy, and can be made from a blend of several different grape varieties. The difference is primarily one of geography; Chianti is a large Chianti Classico is a smaller region within Chianti. Classico also has stricter laws regarding blending and yields (fewer grapes per acre, leading to more intense wines). Finally a seal with a black rooster on it tells you that the wine you have is made by a producer that belongs to the Chianti Classico consortium.
