Chianti is one of the most well-known Italian wines, yet it can often be misunderstood due to its complex structure of subzones. The Chianti DOCG is a vast designation covering a large section of Tuscany, producing wines primarily from Sangiovese, the region’s signature grape.

But within the Chianti DOCG, there are several subzones, each with its own regulations and style. These include:

• Chianti Colli Fiorentini – Grown in the hills surrounding Florence, these wines are often elegant and floral, with bright red fruit notes and a balanced acidity.
• Chianti Rufina – Situated northeast of Florence, this is one of the most highly regarded subzones, known for its structure and longevity. Thanks to its cooler climate and higher altitudes, wines from Chianti Rufina often have higher acidity and firmer tannins, making them excellent for aging.
• Chianti Colli Senesi – This area surrounds Siena and includes some of the warmest zones in Chianti. The wines tend to be fruit-driven, softer, and more approachable in their youth.
• Chianti Colli Aretini – A lesser-known area located near Arezzo, where wines are generally light, fresh, and easy to drink.
• Chianti Montalbano – A region located to the west of Florence, producing wines that are often delicate yet well-structured.
• Chianti Montespertoli – The smallest subzone, offering wines with bright acidity and fresh fruit characteristics.
• Chianti Colli Pisani – Located in western Tuscany near Pisa, this area produces softer, more approachable styles of Chianti.

Each of these subzones brings its own unique expression of Sangiovese, heavily influenced by factors like elevation, soil composition, and climate.

Chianti DOCG vs. Chianti Classico DOCG

While both Chianti DOCG and Chianti Classico DOCG share a reliance on Sangiovese, there are key differences between them:

1. Geography – Chianti Classico occupies a smaller, more historic region between Florence and Siena, whereas Chianti DOCG covers a broader territorial area.
2. Regulations – Chianti Classico must be at least 80% Sangiovese, whereas Chianti DOCG requires a minimum of 70% Sangiovese, allowing for more flexibility in blending.
3. Aging Requirements – Chianti Classico Riserva and the new Gran Selezione category require stricter aging rules compared to standard Chianti DOCG wines.
4. Labeling – Chianti Classico bottles display the Gallo Nero (Black Rooster) insignia as a guarantee of quality.

While Chianti Classico is often seen as more prestigious, many Chianti DOCG wines—especially from subzones like Rufina and Colli Senesi—offer outstanding quality and excellent value.

Chianti DOCG Annata 2024, Superiore 2022, and Riserva 2022

At Anteprima Chianti Lovers 2025, attendees will have the opportunity to taste three key Chianti DOCG releases:

• Chianti DOCG Annata 2024 – Fresh and youthful, this vintage will highlight the vibrancy of Sangiovese, expressing bright red cherry, floral, and herbal notes.
• Chianti Superiore 2022 – A step up in quality and structure, Superiore wines require additional aging and typically display deeper complexity, with more pronounced tannins and oak influence.
• Chianti Riserva 2022 – Aged a minimum of two years, Riserva Chianti DOCG often delivers greater depth, refined tannins, and more pronounced secondary and tertiary aromas such as tobacco, leather, and spice.

Exploring Morellino di Scansano DOCG: The Wines of Maremma

While the Chianti DOCG wines originate from central Tuscany, Morellino di Scansano comes from the Maremma region in coastal southern Tuscany.

The primary differences between Morellino di Scansano and Chianti DOCG include:

1. Climate Influence – The Mediterranean climate of Maremma makes Morellino di Scansano warmer and sunnier than most Chianti regions. This results in riper, fruit-forward wines, often with softer tannins.
2. Sangiovese Expression – Locally referred to as Morellino, Sangiovese from Scansano tends to be juicier and richer than those from the cooler hills of Chianti.
3. Blending Rules – Morellino di Scansano must contain at least 85% Sangiovese, compared to 70–80% for Chianti DOCG.
4. Character – These wines often deliver intense aromas of wild berries, Mediterranean herbs, and spice, creating a warm and generous mouthfeel.

Overall, this event offers a rare chance to explore some of Tuscany’s most beloved yet diverse appellations.