Chianti
Although the name Chianti is associated with a specific geographical area with strictly defined boundaries, wine has a regional character. Already in 1716 By decree of the Grand Duke, the Chianti production zone was extended beyond the hilly area known as Chianti. However, only the ministerial decree of the 1932 of the year finally sanctioned the facts, which was the result of processes taking place throughout the nineteenth century and the result of the success of the wine itself both in Italy, as well as around the world.
Despite, that the traditions of viticulture in the Chianti region date back to very distant times, the term Chianti was first used for wine produced in the area only in the Middle Ages.. This is confirmed by letters written by the hand of a certain Francesco Datino di Prato, a merchant living in years 1383 -1410, in which the word Chianti is used in a purely oenological context.
At that time, however, the name Chianti was not applied to wine., that we know today, but it was used to describe a certain "vin vermiglio” i "vin di Firenze“. Only in the seventeenth century, with the development of trade and exports, the name of the region began to be officially applied to the famous product from these areas.
Chianti's success was also determined by the strict standards for its production issued by the Chianti League., which constituted a kind of production specification, far ahead of its time. These provisions introduced, inter alia, a categorical ban on starting harvesting before the holy day. Michael, i.e.. 29 September.
After this period of Chianti history, in which legend is intertwined with reality, the true and documented story begins in the nineteenth century and is associated with the person of Baron Bettino Ricasoli. Baron who is a member of the Accademia dei Georgofili (Florentine Agricultural Academy) by trial and error, he led to the creation of a model and still valid Chianti blend: Sangioveto, Canaiolo, Trebbiano and Malvasia.
The use of the so-called. methods "governo" makes Chianti a wine with a unique character. This method consists in adding a certain amount of dried must to the previously obtained wine, carefully selected grapes.
Consorzio Vino Chianti
Via Belfiore, 9
50144 Firenze (FI)
ITALY