Chianti Classico Wines: Annata, Riserva and Gran Selezione from the Heart of Tuscany

What Does the Black Rooster Mean?

The short answer is history and a legend. The black rooster was the emblem of the Chianti League, formed by Florence in the late 14th century.

Legend says Florence and Siena agreed to settle their border with a race: each city would send a rider at the first cockcrow, and the border would lie where the two riders met.

The Florentines chose a black rooster and kept it hungry, so it crowed long before dawn. Their rider set off early and won almost all of Chianti for Florence. The black rooster, the Gallo Nero, is now the symbol of Chianti Classico and must appear on every bottle.

Chianti Classico Annata, Riserva and Gran Selezione

The everyday tier, often called annata, is released after at least 12 months and shows fresh cherry, violet and herbs. Riserva ages for at least 24 months and gains depth, with dried cherry, tobacco and leather.

Gran Selezione is the peak of the pyramid, made only from an estate's own grapes and aged for at least 30 months. Its labels may now also name one of the eleven villages or areas, known as UGAs, where the grapes grew.

Chianti Classico Wine Brands in Our Range

Antinori brings its Pèppoli, the Villa Antinori Riserva and the Marchese Antinori Riserva from Tenuta Tignanello. Barone Ricasoli adds its Brolio Chianti Classico and Riserva, from the estate where Bettino Ricasoli set down an early recipe for Chianti in the 1870s.

Castello di Meleto and Valiano both offer a Gran Selezione, alongside Valiano's Poggio Teo Chianti Classico and Riserva. Banfi, San Fabiano Calcinaia, Villa Cerna, Tenute Rossetti, Poggiotondo and Cantina Etrusca complete our range.

Serving and Food Pairing

Serve Chianti Classico at 16 to 18 degrees, and give a Riserva or Gran Selezione time in a decanter. Its fresh acidity loves tomato, so think pasta with ragù, pizza, grilled steak and aged pecorino. For more ideas, read our guide to Chianti wine and food pairing.

What Kind of Wine Is Chianti Classico? Your Questions, Answered

What kind of wine is Chianti Classico?

A dry red from the historic Chianti zone between Florence and Siena, made mostly from Sangiovese. It is a medium to full bodied red wine with cherry fruit, firm acidity and savoury, earthy notes.

Is Chianti Classico always Sangiovese?

Mostly. At least 80% of the blend must be Sangiovese, and the rest can come from other red grapes such as Canaiolo, Colorino or Merlot. White grapes have not been allowed since 2006.

Is Chianti Classico a cheap wine?

Not usually. Old straw covered flasks gave Chianti a cheap image, but Chianti Classico comes from a smaller zone with stricter rules, and its Riserva and Gran Selezione wines are serious reds for the cellar.

How long does Chianti Classico last?

A young Chianti Classico is at its freshest within a few years, while a good Riserva or Gran Selezione can develop in the bottle for a decade or more.

Why Buy Chianti Classico Wine at YourWines?

From a bright weeknight red to a Gran Selezione for a special dinner, you can buy Chianti Classico wine online in Australia, alongside the rest of our Italian red wine range.

Every wine is chosen by our team, available by the dozen or as a six-pack, and shipping is free Australia wide with a surcharge for WA, TAS and remote areas. For more from Italy, explore our whole Italian collection.