The grape indigenous to the area is Sangiovese which makes a robust red wine and accounts for a minimum 80% of the varietals used in the wine. It’s an elegant, round, velvety wine with deep red colour and good structure. The minimum alcohol level required by the production code is 12% going up to 12.5% for the Riserva which must be aged for at least 24 months. Look for the symbol of the Black Rooster to identify the best wines.

In November 2003 a legislative decree gave the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium control of the entire Chianti Classico D.O.C.G. production chain and, therefore, over all the wineries active in the zone, whether Consortium members or not. This was the so-called “erga omnes,” whose experimental phase ended in August 2006 with confirmation of the Consortium’s eminent position by the Ministry of Agricultural and Forestry Policies. This also had important consequences for the interests of final consumers, who by the end of 2007 will be able, on the Internet, to trace the genesis and history of a bottle of wine through the identification number appearing on the government seal (the pink band distinguishing D.O.C.G. wines).

In June 2005 the Consorzio del Marchio Storico—Chianti Classico was incorporated into the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium. After this merger the Gallo Nero trademark was added to the government seal and, therefore, made compulsory on all bottles of Chianti Classico wine. The Black Rooster thus returned to the role of univocal symbol for all Chianti Classico, becoming an icon for the territory and the whole production chain.

With more than 600 members, about 350 of them bottlers, the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium now represents 95% of the entire denomination and has an up-to-date, well-structured and professional organization tasked with protecting and valorizing Chianti Classico wine and its trademark. Engaged in protecting it are a test laboratory and inspection and legal departments, while promotion is entrusted to a marketing and communication office. The Consortium also works on the education and research front, and its endeavors include the Chianti Classico 2000 project. Right: Sylvia Fiorintini of Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico proudly displays the Black Rooster symbol.