The Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico

Chianti Classico in a Nutshell
Written by Nina Tiefner

Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico

The "Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico" is the organization that looks after the protection, control, and marketing of the entire Chianti Classico wine region and the Chianti Classico brand. Their main focus is always on making sure consumers and producers get the highest quality.

On May 14, 1924, a group of 33 wine producers gathered in Radda in Chianti to create a voluntary organization to protect Chianti wine production. That's how the consortium for the protection of typical Chianti wine was born, which today is called the "Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico." The black rooster – the "Gallo Nero" – was chosen as the symbol for Chianti Classico. It originally adorned the flag of the Lega del Chianti, a military troop, back in the Middle Ages. Then, as now, this symbol stands for identifying with this area and with the wine typical of the region.

600 Members – from big to small

Today, the Consorzio has over 600 members, with about 350 of them being winemakers. This means 95% of all Chianti Classico wine producers are part of the Consorzio. These include different types of businesses:

  • small and medium-sized businesses,

  • large producers (think "global players"),

  • cooperative wineries,

  • industrial companies.

Protecting and promoting Chianti Classico

As a modern, well-organized, and professional group, the Consorzio works to protect and promote Chianti Classico and takes care of its brand. What's more, in 2003, a law ("erga omnes") gave the Consorzio the job of overseeing the entire production process within the Chianti Classico DOCG. Since then, a team of inspectors checks on both Consorzio members and non-members in the region. The Consorzio is also responsible for making changes to the rules for wines from this wine region between Florence and Siena. The last big change happened in February 2013 during the annual vintage presentation in Florence, at the Chianti Classico Collection: they introduced the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione category.

A key job for the "Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico" is handling all the marketing stuff – and that means organizing winemakers' presence at some major wine fairs:

By the way: If you can't make it to one of the big fairs to taste the amazing Chianti Classico wines, I've put together a little overview of some cool spots where you can try a bunch of Chianti Classico wines all at once:

Nina Tiefner https://www.ninainchianti.com
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