Chianti Classico is not the same as Chianti. While they both come from the region of Tuscany in Italy and are classified as DOCG wines, they have different disciplinary, production areas, and protection consortiums.
Chianti Classico is a specific sub-region within the larger Chianti region. It is located between the cities of Florence and Siena and is considered the heartland of Chianti production. The production area for Chianti Classico is smaller and more strictly defined than that of Chianti. It encompasses the municipalities of Castellina in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, and Greve in Chianti, with additional areas of the municipalities of Barberino Tavarnelle, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Poggibonsi, and San Casciano Val di Pesa.
Chianti, on the other hand, is a larger production area that extends beyond the boundaries of Chianti Classico. It includes additional areas of the provinces of Arezzo, Florence, Pisa, Pistoia, and Siena. The production area for Chianti is divided into seven sub-zones: Chianti Colli Aretini, Chianti Colli Fiorentini, Chianti Colli Senesi, Chianti Colline Pisane, Chianti Montalbano, Chianti Montespertoli, and Chianti Rufina.
Each sub-zone has its own unique characteristics and terroir, resulting in subtle differences in the wines produced. Chianti Classico is often considered to be of higher quality and more prestigious than Chianti, due to the stricter production regulations and the historical significance of the region.
In terms of production regulations, Chianti Classico has more stringent requirements compared to Chianti. For example, Chianti Classico must be made from a minimum of 80% Sangiovese grapes, while Chianti can contain a minimum of 70% Sangiovese, with the remaining percentage made up of other approved red and white grape varieties.
The protection consortiums for Chianti and Chianti Classico are also separate entities. The Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico represents the producers of Chianti Classico and works to promote and protect the wine and its appellation. The Consorzio Vino Chianti represents the producers of Chianti and carries out similar functions for that specific appellation.
Chianti and Chianti Classico are two different and separate DOCGs from Tuscany. While they share similarities in terms of grape varieties and being classified as DOCG wines, they have distinct disciplinary, production areas, and protection consortiums. Chianti Classico is considered the more prestigious and higher quality of the two, with stricter production regulations and a smaller, more defined production area.