▻ Chianti Classico with David Gleave MW
In conversation with David Gleave MW
Episode Summary:-
In the first in our new series of Italian 10-Minute Masterclasses, Italian expert David Gleave MW looks at Chianti Classico. He describes Chianti’s wild, wooded and hilly landscape, which stretches between Florence and Siena, and explains how, though there are 75,000 hectares of land, only 7,000 are designated Chianti Classico, where there are 480 producers, with 340 bottling wine under their own label.
In the 19th century, every red wine in Tuscany capitalised on the name of Chianti, but after the First World War, it was decided that the ancient, historical region should be called Chianti Classico, and it formally became a consortium of wine producers in 1924, while the name “Chianti” became a prefix, appended to other, neighbouring areas, such as Chianti Rufina and Chianti Colli Fiorentini. David explains that Chianti Classico is a complex area. The vineyards, unlike in Bordeaux or Burgundy, range from 250 metres above sea level up to 700 metres, and there are two ranges of hills, which means that the wines can show different styles, depending on which part of the region they are from.
The soils include sandstone, alberese and galestro, the latter containing particles of clay, which retains water well. Sangiovese is never deep in colour: As David comments, “If you ever see a deep Sangiovese, you know someone has put Cabernet or Merlot in it, to beef it up.” Regarding flavour, “you can expect spice, cherry fruit on the nose, acidity and a bite to it,” he explains. “It’s not going to be a soft, supple sort of velvety wine, it’s always going to have a bit of that tannic grip you expect from Sangiovese.”
The most famous names are Antinori, Castello di Brolio, Rocca di Montegrossi, San Giusto a Rentennano, Castello dei Rampolla, Castellare, Corzano e Paterno in San Casciano, especially their I Tre Borri, Castello di Volpaia, Castello di Monsanto, Castello di Ama, Castello di Bossi, Castello di Fonterutoli, Villa Le Corti, Fontodi, Isole e Olena, Monte Vertine, and Riecine.
David also notes the up-and-coming producers: Tenuta di Carleone in Radda; Istine from Angela Fronti in Radda; Cigliano di Sopra, in San Casciano; Pomona in Castellina; Uri Fiore, in Lamole
David’s one obscure fact? No one harvests in Lamole until the oldest grape grower starts picking grapes. It’s a tradition, in a way part of their terroir.
Running Order:-
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0.00 – 6.17
"It’s not soft, velvety wine, it’s always going to have a bit of that tannic grip you expect from Sangiovese.”
– Where Chianti Classico is located and number of producers.
– History of Chianti Classico.
– Chianti Classico’s terroir. -
6.18 – 10.59
“If you ever see a deep Sangiovese, you know someone has put Cabernet or Merlot in it.”
– The geographical location’s impact on wine style.
– Wine producers to know.
– David’s obscure fact.
Find out the vineyards to know, and Jasper’s tip for producers who are excellent value and under the radar.