Chianti, situated in Tuscany in Central Italy, is home to probably the best-known and most iconic of Italian wines in the world.
Mazzei's Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva
Chianti was among the first red wine DOCs in Italy, created just after Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino. In 1984 it was divided into two distinct appellations, Chianti and Chianti Classico, both of which were subsequently promoted into the rank of Tuscany's DOCGs. Alongside these two famous names are made the lesser-known reds Morellino di Scansano, Carmignano and the sweet Elba Aleatico Passito.
Today, Chianti is a source of world-class wines. Chianti’s winemaking zone stretches into the provinces of Prato, Florence, Arezzo, Pistoia, Pisa and Siena. Its vineyards yield more than any other Italian DOC, equating to more than 26 gallons (750,000hL). The area’s most highly regarded wines come from the Chianti Classico zone which was awarded a separate DOCG status in 1996 and Chianti Rufina. Rufina alongside the other six Chianti sub-zones, Chianti Colli Aretini, Chianti Colli Fiorentini, Chianti Colli Senesi, Chianti Colline Pisane, Chianti Montalbano and Chianti Montespertoli come under the Chianti DOCG and any wine made in these zones is permitted to label the name of the sub-zone or just simply Chianti.