A NEW CLASSIFICATION FOR CHIANTI

Chianti Classico DOCG will have a new classification above Riserva wines called “Gran Selezione”.  Wines in the new top band within the Chianti Classico DOCG appellation must be produced solely from estate-grown grapes and can only be sold 3O months after harvest, with a minimum of three months’ bottle age.  Sergio Zingarelli, President of the Chianti Classico Consorzio, said, “The Gran Selezione will not obscure the potential and the characteristics of the Chianti Classico Riservas, but give more emphasis to the top-quality wines which are already produced inside the Chianti Classico denomination.”  But not everyone is excited by the news.  Many view it as an unnecessary classification and predict that it will lead to a monstrous mess of red tape.  In some circles it’s being called “Grand Casino” (Big Mess).  Awaiting final approval by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Chianti Classico Consorzio expects the new law to come into effect later this year.  Unreleased wines from the 2O1O vintage will then qualify as Gran Selezione.