One of the first wine regions to be officially recognized and demarcated, Chianti Classico is now what was originally simply defined as Chianti. Identified as a superior zone as early as the 18th century, the official name of Chianti was declared for the area around the townships of Castellina, Radda, and Gaiole, just north of Siena, by Cosimo III, Grand Duke of Tuscany, in an official decree in 1716.
By the 1930s, however, the Italian government had expanded this historic zone with additional land to capitalize on the Chianti name. It wasn't until 1996 that Chianti Classico regained its autonomy, when the government granted a separate DOCG along its borders. Since then, Chianti Classico no longer considers itself a subzone of Chianti.
Many Classicos today are made from 100% Sangiovese, but can contain up to 20% of other approved varieties grown within the Classico boundaries. The best Classicos have bright acidity, supple tannins, and a full body with abundant ripe fruit (plums, black cherries, blackberries). Expressive notes of cedar, dried herbs, fennel, balsamic, or tobacco are also common in the best Classicos.
Gabbiano Chianti Classico DOCG is a blend of 93 percent Sangiovese and 7 percent Canaiolo-Colorino grapes. Vinified on the skins, this wine is then aged for eighteen months in oak barrels of varying ages and sizes. A delightful Chianti bouquet of freshly pruned violets, cherry jam, black pepper and nutmeg, oak, tobacco, and licorice aromas. So delicious! The palate is also simply fantastic, with lovely notes of fresh black fruit, a touch of cedar, rich spice, and refined tannins that give the wine plenty of bite!
