Chianti Classico Collection
Every February, wine journalists, sommeliers, and trade professionals from around the world gather in Tuscany for Anteprime di Toscana, an annual celebration of the region’s new vintages. This week-long event offers an exclusive first look at the latest releases from some of Tuscany’s most prestigious appellations, with a special focus on the Chianti Classico Collection—one of the highlights of the Anteprime.
Hosted at Stazione Leopolda in Florence, a beautifully repurposed 19th-century train station, the Chianti Classico Collection event is an essential stop for anyone serious about Sangiovese wines. The venue, with its soaring ceilings, exposed brick architecture, and dramatic banners of Chianti Classico’s Gallo Nero (Black Rooster) emblem, creates an atmosphere of both history and modernity.
Chianti Classico producers unveil their newest wines in a carefully orchestrated tasting, where international journalists are invited to explore an extensive catalog of wines across different categories. The event offers a rare opportunity to taste, compare, and analyze over 700 winesfrom across the region.
Tasting Like Royalty: A Masterclass in Chianti Classico
For a wine journalist, the Chianti Classico Collection is a place of pure indulgence. Stepping into the VIP tasting area feels akin to entering one’s own wine court—with attentive sommeliers, dressed in elegant blazers edged in gold, ready to pour each tasting flight with precision.
An interactive digital platform allows journalists and professionals to customize their tastings, selecting wines from specific producers and different styles of Chianti Classico, whether basic Annata, Riserva, or Gran Selezione.
This structured approach enables tasters to explore the diverse expressions of Sangioveseacross Chianti Classico’s many terroirs. Some may choose to examine a single producer’sevolution through its tiers—tasting its basic Chianti Classico, Riserva, and Gran Selezione—while others prefer to compare wines from multiple producers within the same vintage or across distinct sub-zones.
While such tastings cannot provide absolute conclusions about a particular sub-region, vintage, or producer, they allow for a deeper understanding of Chianti Classico’s stylistic range.
Understanding Chianti Classico: The Three Levels of Quality
Chianti Classico, distinct from the broader Chianti DOCG, follows a strict classification system that ensures quality and authenticity:
- Chianti Classico Annata (Basic Level) – Fresh, fruit-driven, and approachable, this category represents the core identity of the region. These wines typically showcase bright red fruit flavors, lively acidity, and moderate tannins, making them highly versatile at the table.
- Chianti Classico Riserva – A step up in complexity, Riserva wines require a minimum of 24 months of aging, including time in oak. This results in deeper flavors, more structured tannins, and greater aging potential (5–10 years or more).
- Chianti Classico Gran Selezione – The pinnacle of Chianti Classico, Gran Selezionewines must be sourced from a winery’s best vineyards and aged for at least 30 months. These wines exhibit remarkable depth, elegance, and aging potential, reflecting the terroir’s most expressive qualities.
The unique structure of Chianti Classico allows consumers to discov
er wines suited to every occasion—whether for immediate drinking or long-term cellaring.
Chianti Classico Collection: Conversations with Producers
Beyond the Tasting Room: Conversations with Producers
One of the most enriching aspects of Anteprime events is the opportunity to engage with producers firsthand. During the Chianti Classico Collection, I visited numerous winery booths, speaking with vintners about their latest releases, label designs, and decisions about whether to produce a Gran Selezione.
Beyond wine, many Chianti Classico producers also craft premium olive oil—an artisanal tradition deeply rooted in Tuscany. Others have embraced wine tourism, opening their estates to visitors seeking an immersive Tuscan experience, often offering accommodations within historic villas or castles.
One such story came from an English woman seated at my dinner table, who recently fulfilled a lifelong dream of purchasing a Tuscan winery alongside her husband. They had fallen in love with the land, its rich past, and its winemaking potential. Their journey—like that of many others drawn to Chianti Classico—reflects the enduring allure of this extraordinary region.
A Grand Finale at Teatro del Maggio Fiorentino
Evenings during Anteprime di Toscana are as memorable as the tastings themselves. One of the most spectacular events took place at Teatro del Maggio Fiorentino, one of Florence’s premier cultural venues. The night began with a Prosecco cocktail hour, where guests mingled once more with producers, journalists, and industry insiders.
The real magic unfolded when the concert concluded—at which point the curtain lifted to reveal an exquisite dining hall, complete with elegantly arranged tables and soft candlelight. It was an unexpected masterpiece, a setting that could have graced the pages of a classic novel.
Over a beautifully curated dinner, conversations flowed freely, and connections deepened between those who share a passion for Italian wine and Tuscan heritage. Though I didn’t stay late enough for the after-dinner dancing, I could see the preparations in place for a celebratory close to the evening.
Final Thoughts: The Prestige of Chianti Classico
Experiencing Anteprime di Toscana and the Chianti Classico Collection offers a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship, heritage, and modern evolution of one of Italy’s most historic wine regions. From the vibrancy of Chianti Classico Annata to the complexity of Riserva and the prestige of Gran Selezione, the tasting journey reaffirms why these wines continue to captivate connoisseurs worldwide.
For those looking to deepen their appreciation of Sangiovese-driven wines, an event like this is an opportunity not to be missed. Whether enjoying structured tastings, engaging discussions, or an elegant gala under candlelight, the magic of Chianti Classico is destined to linger long after the last sip.
