Chianti Wines: Chianti Classico, Riserva and Tuscan Sangiovese

Chianti or Chianti Classico?

Chianti Classico is the original zone, recognised by the black rooster that appears on every bottle. It has its own, stricter rules, with at least 80% Sangiovese and a longer minimum ageing, and its wines tend to be more structured and savoury. Explore them in our Chianti Classico collection.

Chianti DOCG covers a much larger area around the Classico zone, including subzones such as Colli Senesi and Rùfina. These wines are usually softer and fruitier, and great value for everyday drinking.

Riserva, Gran Selezione and Superiore

A Riserva spends at least two years ageing before release, which builds deeper notes of dried cherry, tobacco and leather. Close to a third of our Chianti wines are Riserva, some with several years of bottle age already.

Gran Selezione is the highest tier of Chianti Classico, made only from estate grown grapes and aged for at least 30 months. Chianti Superiore comes from lower yields for more concentration. You will also find organic bottles, including the Valiano Chianti Classico wines.

Chianti Wine Brands in Our Range

Piccini is our largest Chianti producer, from the classic straw covered Chianti bottle, the fiasco, to the Collezione Oro Riserva. Barone Ricasoli brings the Brolio estate, where Bettino Ricasoli set down the original Chianti recipe in the 1870s.

Antinori adds the Pèppoli Chianti Classico and Villa Antinori Riserva. Banfi and Castello di Meleto are joined by Poggiotondo, Valiano, San Fabiano Calcinaia, Tenute Rossetti and Monte Guelfo.

Serving and Food Pairing

Serve Chianti at 16 to 18 degrees, and give a Riserva or Gran Selezione half an hour in a decanter.

Its acidity makes it a natural match for tomato based dishes such as pizza, pasta with ragù, grilled sausages or bistecca with rosemary. For more ideas, read our guide to Chianti wine and food pairing.

Is Chianti Light or Full Bodied? Your Questions, Answered

Is Chianti light or full bodied?

Most Chianti is medium bodied, with fresh acidity and firm but fine tannins. A young Chianti feels lighter and fruitier, while Riserva and Gran Selezione wines are fuller and more structured. For richer styles, browse our full bodied red wine.

Is Chianti sweet?

No. Chianti red wine is dry. Its ripe cherry fruit can taste generous, but there is little or no residual sugar.

Is Chianti the same as Sangiovese?

Chianti is a place and Sangiovese is the grape. Every Chianti is mostly Sangiovese, but the grape is also grown elsewhere in Italy and in Australia, where the wines carry the Sangiovese name instead.

Should you chill Chianti?

Not properly, but slightly below room temperature suits it well. On a warm Australian day, 15 minutes in the fridge before serving brings it close to 16 to 18 degrees.

What wine is similar to Chianti?

Other Tuscan Sangiovese, such as Brunello di Montalcino, shares its cherry and herb character. Australian Sangiovese from the King Valley is a good local alternative, and Barolo suits drinkers who want a more powerful Italian red.

Why Buy Chianti Wine at YourWines?

From a classic straw flask to a Gran Selezione from a single estate, you can buy Chianti wine online in Australia for every budget and occasion.

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. Explore our Italian red wine or the whole Italian collection.