1. Chianti is the name of a geographical area in Tuscany between Florence and Siena.
2. It was first named in written documentation as a wine growing zone in the second half of the 13th Century.
3. Chianti Classico was defined as a wine production zone in 1716 to protect authenticity and prevent fraud.
4. Sangiovese is the main grape in Chianti.
5. It has to make up 80% of Chianti Classico and may make up only 70% of Chianti.
6. In the 1930s the Italian government extended the borders of Chianti to capitalise on the popularity of its name – it now covers 15,500 hectares – nearly half of New Zealand’s national vineyard.
7. Chianti Classico is smaller and its wines are higher quality.
8. Quality varies wildly between bulk Chianti and good Chianti Classico.
9. Even though the name Chianti represents a geographical area, it is not a place – it’s the name of the wine from this area.
10. Traditeionally white grapes, as well as red ones, were allowed in Chianti blends, including Malvasia, Trebbiano, Canaiolo, Mammolo, and Marzemino.
11. Chianti Rufina is the smallest subzone of Chianti and can make top quality wines.
Joelle Thomson is a wine writer, journalist and author. She’s an avid lover of wine and currently writes for Capital magazine, Good magazine, NZ Winegrower, Drinksbiz, and her own site, www.joellethomson.com
