Podcast 007 | Giovanni Manetti - A Chat About the New Milestone in Chianti Classico

July 12

Giovanni Manetti is President of the Consorzio Chianti Classico

The members of the Consorzio Chianti Classico, which includes about 500 wineries from the region, recently reached a new milestone for Chianti Classico.

Giovanni Manetti owns the famous Fontodi winery in Panzano in Chianti and is also the current President of the Consorzio Chianti Classico. In this episode, I'll chat with him about what these new rules are, why they were introduced, how they'll benefit Chianti Classico lovers, and why they could even be important in the fight against climate change for Chianti Classico wine.

Welcome back! I'm excited to take you on another journey into the fascinating world of Chianti Classico today. In this episode of my podcast, 'For a Glass of Wine with Nina and Chianti,' I have a very special guest: Giovanni Manetti from the renowned Fontodi winery and current President of the Consorzio Chianti Classico. Giovanni and I have known each other for almost 20 years, and it's always interesting to hear his thoughts.

The Golden Valley and its Treasures

Our chat took place at the Fontodi winery, right in the middle of Panzano's famous Conca d'Oro, the Golden Valley. Giovanni explained that 'Conca d'Oro' isn't just called that because it's so sunny, but also because of its precious soils, which have been known for excellent wines for centuries. This is where the grapes grow that become some of the best Chianti Classico wines.

Of course, a glass of wine was a must! Giovanni presented his Fontodi Chianti Classico, a powerful wine made from 100% Sangiovese grapes. With its deep color, lively acidity, and fantastic structure, it really captures the essence of Chianti Classico. Giovanni describes this wine as strong yet harmonious, a true reflection of the region and its culture. He even affectionately calls this wine his 'business card'.

UGA: A Step into the Future

Giovanni introduced us to the work of the Consorzio Chianti Classico, which brings together over 500 producers. This association handles marketing, production standards, and making sure they're followed. A recent big decision by the members is all about the Chianti Classico region and how it's responding to climate change challenges. In recent weeks, the letters UGA have been creating a buzz in the wine world. They stand for 'Unità Geografica Aggiuntiva' and mark an important new development in Chianti Classico: dividing the region into smaller, more uniform areas. This move is meant to highlight the unique character and diversity of the wines even more clearly. Giovanni emphasizes that this helps wine lovers better understand where each wine comes from and its special style.

Sustainability and Organic Farming

Another key focus for the Consorzio is sustainability. Chianti Classico is a pioneer when it comes to organic winemaking. Now, over half of the vineyards are organically certified. Giovanni points out that this trend isn't just good for the environment, but it also boosts the quality and authenticity of the wines.

Giovanni and I also chatted about the future of Chianti Classico, especially the new rules for Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. Soon, these wines will need to be at least 90% Sangiovese and won't be allowed to include international grape varieties anymore. Instead, only traditional local grape varieties like Colorino and Canaiolo will be allowed to complement the Sangiovese. These changes really highlight the unique character of Chianti Classico and its deep roots in the region.

To wrap up our conversation, Giovanni gave us a glimpse into the exciting future of Chianti Classico. Giovanni sees huge potential in the region and emphasizes how important quality and sustainability are. He encourages all wine lovers to discover and enjoy the amazing variety of Chianti Classico.