The Chianti pyramid

Annata, Riserva and Gran Selezione

Between the provinces of Siena and Florence, a single symbol reigns and that is the Gallo Nero, certification of excellence of one of the most drunk and appreciated Italian wines in the world: Chianti Classico.

This famous wine is produced with a minimum of 80 per cent Sangiovese grapes and can have a maximum contribution of other red grapes such as the traditional varieties Canaiolo and Colorino or international varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Chianti Classico pyramid represents a path of quality that begins with Chianti Classico ‘Annata’, continues with Chianti Classico ‘Riserva’ and ends with Chianti Classico ‘Gran Selezione’.

Let's find out together:

- Chianti Classico ‘Annata’ represents the base of the Chianti Classico pyramid, the most essential and straightforward version of the Gallo Nero.

It is a young, streamlined and flowing wine, very much played on the acidity of the Sangiovese, which gives it great freshness, but also on the intense and seductive fruity-floral notes of cherry and violet.

Chianti Classico wine may only be released for consumption from 1 October of the year following the harvest.

- Chianti Classico ‘Riserva’ represents the central band of the Chianti Classico pyramid, the most structured and elegant version of the Gallo Nero.

It is a complex, velvety and harmonious wine that, thanks to prolonged ageing, has smoothed out the tannins and acidity, intrinsic to the younger Sangiovese, thus becoming more elegant and full-bodied.

Chianti Classico Riserva wine may only be released for consumption after undergoing at least 24 months of ageing, of which at least 3 months in the bottle.

- Chianti Classico ‘Gran Selezione’ represents the apex of the Chianti Classico pyramid, the even more structured and refined version of the Gallo Nero given by the grapes from the most suitable vineyard or by the selection of the best estate grapes.

It is a wine of great structure, voluminosity and extreme elegance, which thanks to prolonged ageing has completely smoothed out the tannins, which have now become enveloping and silky.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione wine may be released for consumption only after undergoing at least 30 months of ageing, of which at least 3 months in the bottle. The ageing period is calculated from 1 January of the year following the harvest.

Taste the excellence of Chianti Classico Gallo Nero with us at Villa di Sotto!