Beginner’s guide to Chianti Classico & the story of the black rooster

If you’ve ever picked up a bottle of Italian red wine and spotted a little black rooster on the neck, you’ve already met Chianti Classico. But what does it actually mean? And how is it different from regular Chianti? 

Let’s dive into one of Italy’s most iconic wine regions - steeped in tradition, built on Sangiovese, and guarded (literally) by a rooster. 

What is Chianti Classico? 

Chianti Classico is a historic subregion within the broader Chianti wine area of Tuscany, Italy. While “Chianti” today can refer to a large and varied production zone, Chianti Classico refers to the original heart of the Chianti region - its first legally defined boundary, set as early as 1716.

It’s not just about geography - it’s about identity and quality. Chianti Classico is legally distinct and not a sub-zone of Chianti DOCG. It has its own DOCG status and stricter rules.

Caption: Map of key Central Italian wine regions. Chianti & Chianti Classico are in purple. Source: Wine Spirit Education Trust (WSET).

Chianti Classico wines must be: 

• Made with at least 80% Sangiovese
• Grown within the Chianti Classico zone between Florence and Siena
• Aged for a minimum period before release (depending on style)
• Bottled with the Gallo Nero (black rooster) seal, a mark of authenticity 
  
  

What does Chianti Classico taste like? 

Chianti Classico wines are known for their bright acidity, firm tannins, and red fruit flavours - think sour cherry, plum, and cranberry, with savoury notes of dried herbs, leather, and tobacco. 

Thanks to the higher altitude vineyards, which slow the ripening process, the wines often show more freshness (acidity) and herbal aromas than Chianti DOCG wines grown at lower elevations. These wines pair beautifully with: 

• Steak & BBQ meats
• Pasta & tomato
• Mushroom & earthy dishes
  
• Cheeses 
  
  

The three styles of Chianti Classico 

There are three tiers of Chianti Classico DOCG, each with increasing ageing requirements and often higher quality: 

1. Annata (standard) 

• Aged for a minimum of 12 months
• Classic Chianti character with freshness and structure 

2. Riserva 

• Aged for at least 24 months, including at least 3 months in bottle
• More depth, richness, and ageability 

3. Gran Selezione 

• The highest designation, introduced in 2014
• Must come from a single estate’s best grapes and be aged at least 30 months
• No requirement for oak ageing, but most producers use it
• Complex, cellar-worthy wines with serious pedigree 
  
  

What’s the deal with the black rooster? 

Ah yes, the Gallo Nero. It’s more than just a logo. The black rooster is the official symbol of the Chianti Classico and has deep historical roots. 

The legend goes like this: 
In the 13th century, Florence and Siena were fighting over the Chianti territory. To settle the dispute, they agreed to a contest. At sunrise, a horseman from each city would ride toward the other. Where they met would set the new border. The starting signal? A rooster’s crow. 

Florence chose a black rooster and kept it hungry so it would crow earlier. Siena used a well-fed white rooster who crowed later. The Florentine knight got a head start and claimed more land. 

Since then, the black rooster has symbolised Chianti Classico, appearing on every certified bottle. 

Chianti vs Chianti Classico: what’s the difference? 

 

Is Chianti Classico worth it? 

If you’re looking to get into Italian wine, Chianti Classico is a brilliant place to start. It offers age-worthy expressions of Sangiovese, a strong sense of place, and outstanding value - especially compared to Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. 

Whether you’re grabbing an Annata to pair with pizza, a Riserva for steak, or a Gran Selezione to cellar for a decade, there’s a Chianti Classico for every occasion. 

Final sip 

Chianti Classico isn’t just a label, it’s a symbol of quality, tradition, and pride. Backed by centuries of winemaking and the unmistakable black rooster, these wines offer structure, character, and story in every glass.