The Chianti Classico DOCG is one of Tuscany’s most historical and heralded appellations, and the region many consider home to Italy’s most emblematic wines: the crimson-hued, Sangiovese-based reds of the same name.

Chianti Classico wines fall into three categories: Chianti Classico Annata, Chianti Classico Riserva, and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. Each designation denotes the production style and aging regimen used in the wine, and is reflective of what each bottle sought to express as a first statement of intention.

Chianti Classico Annata wine makes up the bottom tier of the Chianti Classico DOCG quality pyramid. Designed for early drinking, fruit-forward Annata wines must have a minimum 12% ABV and undergo 12 months of aging. The resulting wines are generally balanced right away and easy to drink, and present a mix of fresh fruit flavors and fresh floral tones.

Chianti Classico Riserva wines must meet all the basic requirements of Annata bottlings, but undergo extended aging of at least 24 months, including at least three months of bottle aging before release. The wines are also required to have a minimum ABV of 12.5%, and generally showcase similar fresh red fruit characteristics of Annata wines, but with clear inclination towards structure. 

The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione designation, the highest quality indicator in Chianti Classico, was introduced in 2013 to showcase the DOCG’s finest wines. Gran Selezione wines must undergo a minimum of 30 months of aging—with at least three in bottle—and have a minimum alcohol level of 13%. In addition, these wines may only be produced with estate-grown grapes and must showcase regional typicity. As of 2022, these wines may only include indigenous black grape varieties and a minimum 90 percent Sangiovese grapes (versus the appellation’s general rule of 80 percent). A truly premium expression of Chianti Classico, Gran Selezione wines currently make up a mere six percent of Chianti Classico wines. These wines tend to be fruit-forward and spicy, balancing fruit, non-fruit, and tertiary elements in equal measure. Firmly structured, they are designed for long-term aging and enjoyment.