Map of entire Chianti DOCG wine areas within Tuscany, Italy, or the Tuscan region showing the cities of Florence and Siena (listed above).

Discovery Series Explores Wines of Chianti, Italy’s Famed Wine Region

Chianti is a renowned red wine-producing region within Tuscany, Italy, lying between Florence to the north, Siena to the south, Arezzo to the east and the Ligurian Sea to the west. This month, explore the various styles of Chianti!

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What Is Chianti?

Image of many bottles of Chianti, possibly in an Italian wine bar

Chianti history.

The Chianti appellation was the world’s first demarcated wine region, granted by Cosimo III, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, in 1716. Later, the grand duke issued an edict allowing wines from the area to be called Chianti. This original demarcation is now called Chianti Classico.

What Is Chianti?

Chianti’s primary grape is sangiovese.

Sangiovese is native to Tuscany, the region where Chianti is located. It’s known for its medium body, medium-to-high acidity and notes of cherries, earth and herbaceousness. Fatty meats and red-sauced dishes pair exceptionally well with sangiovese.

What Is Chianti?

an expansive Tuscan vineyard from an aerial view

Sangiovese’s supporting cast of characters includes …

While sangiovese is the star of the show, other specific red varietals can be blended in. These blending grapes include the indigenous canaiolo nero or colorino, as well as international varieties like cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah, all of which are used for various structural purposes.

What Is Chianti?

Chianti and its subzones.

The Chianti DOCG encompasses seven DOCG subzones lying in the hillsides, or colli, of the area: Chianti Colli Aretini, Chianti Colli Fiorentini, Chianti Colli Senesi, Chianti Colline Pisane, Chianti Montalbano, Chianti Montespertoli and Chianti Rufina, in addition to the famed Chianti Classico DOCG.