CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG REGULATIONS

The ‘Chianti Classico’ Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita’ (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin), also accompanied by the words “Riserva” and “Gran Selezione”, is reserved to red wine that satisfies the conditions and requirements stipulated in the present production code.

1. “Chianti Classico” wine must be obtained from grapes grown in the area of production defined in Art.3 hereunder and must come from vineyards, within the estate framework, characterized by the following ampelographic composition: – Sangiovese, from 80% up to 100%.

2. In addition, red-berried grapes belonging to varieties suitable for cultivation in Tuscany may also be used in the production of the above said wine in the maximum amount of 20% of the area recorded in the vineyard register. Said varieties, registered in the National Register of wine grape varieties, approved by Ministerial Decree dated May 7, 2004 and subsequent amendments, are listed in Attachment 1 of this production code.

The production zone of “Chianti Classico” Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita wine is the area defined by the inter-ministerial decree of July 31st 1932, confirmed by Article 5 of Presidential Decree 930 of July 12th 1963, by Article 3 of Presidential Decree of August 9th 1967, by Article 3 of Presidential Decree of July 2nd 1984, and by Article 5 of Law 164 of February 10th 1992, by Article 6 of Legislative Decree dated April 8th 2010 n.61 and by Article 3 of the Production Code attached to Ministerial Decree dated 5 August 1996, independently regulated pursuant to the abovementioned Article 5 of Law 10 February 1992 n.164 and Article 6 of Legislative Decree of April 8th 2010, n.61. Said area is delimited as follows: “Beginning with a description of the boundary regarding the part of this area that belongs to the province of Siena, we consider as starting point the place where the border between the provinces of Siena and Arezzo meets with the Borro Ambrella della Vena near Pancole in the municipality of Castelnuovo Berardenga. From this point, the border follows the torrent Ambra and one of its tributaries, not named, as far as the Ciarpella farm, then the mule track leading to the Casa al Frate farm. From there, it follows a virtually straight line as far as Ombrone (altitude of 298 meters, or 977 feet). From there, the mule track descends to an altitude of 257 meters, where it meets a cart path leading to the road to Castelnuovo Berardenga. That road climbs to a height of 354 meters and then follows the Malena Morta ravine to its confluence with the Borro Spugnaccio. The border continues along the Malena Morta ravine to Pialli (227 meters) and then follows the Malena Viva for a short stretch before proceeding along a virtually straight line toward Santa Lucia (252 and 265 meters) and the Arbia. Upon reaching that torrent, the boundary follows the administrative border between the municipalities of Siena and Castelnuovo Berardenga. From this point, the boundary of the production zone continues along the administrative borders of Siena, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Castellina, Monteriggioni and Poggibonsi until it encounters, at the Borro di Granaio, the confines of the province of Florence, which it follows as far as the Le Valli farm. Afterward, it follows the communal road, passing by San Giorgio and the Cinciano springs and continues along that line until it rejoins the provincial border, which is also the municipal border between Poggibonsi and Barberino. It then follows the Drove torrent until it enters the province of Florence. At this point, the description is devoted to the boundary limiting the part of said production zone that belongs to the province of Florence. Initially, the boundary follows the Drove torrent as far as Mulino della Chiaia, where it meets the administrative line between the municipalities of Tavarnelle and Barberino, which it follows for a short distance. It then bends around toward the east along another small stream, passing Biricucci and Belvedere before reaching immediately afterward the San Donato-Tavarnelle road. It follows that road to Morocco and then traces a virtually straight line that, passing by Figlinella, reaches Sambuca and the Pesa torrent. Still following the course of the torrent, the boundary initially coincides with the administrative border between the municipalities of San Casciano Val di Pesa and Tavarnelle, and then it returns to the torrent after Ponte Rotto. From that point, the zone’s boundary coincides with the administrative confines of the municipalities of San Casciano and Greve. The boundary of the Chianti Classico production zone then re-enters the province of Siena and follows the administrative borders of the municipalities of Radda in Chianti, Gaiole and, for a short distance, that of Castelnuovo Berardenga before reaching the starting point of the description of this zone.

1. Environmental conditions and the methods used in cultivating the vineyards that yield “Chianti Classico” wine must be those traditional in the area and, in any case, uniquely those capable of providing grapes and the must and wine derived from them with specific qualitative characteristics.

2. Planting densities, training systems and systems of pruning must be such as not to modify the special characteristics of grapes and wine. In particular, all types of training systems involving horizontal canopies, such as the tendon type, are prohibited. All types of forcing are forbidden, however the use of emergency irrigation is permitted.

3. Only the vineyards that are located on the slopes of hills, that are appropriately oriented, that are not situated at altitudes above 700 meters, and the soils of which consist predominantly of sandstone, limestone, marl, clayey schist, sand and pebbles are considered suitable for entry in the vineyard register with the denomination of “Chianti Classico”.

4. Vineyards situated in damp soils and on valley floors, as well as terrains consisting predominantly of clay of the Pliocene and, in any case, markedly clayey, even if they are situated within the delimited zone, are to be regarded as unsuitable and cannot be entered into the above said vineyard register with the denomination of “Chianti Classico”.

5. With regard to the area of production defined by Article 3, vineyards may not be planted nor registered into the vineyard register with the denomination of “Chianti” DOCG, nor may “Chianti” DOCG or “Chianti” Superiore DOC wines be produced within said zone.

6. At the time of new plantings of vineyards, the minimum density of rootstocks per hectare must be equal to 4400 plants.

7. Maximum permitted production of grapes per hectare is 7.5 tons and the average yield per rootstock cannot exceed 2 kilos.

8. As an exception to articles 6 and 7 hereinabove, pre-existing rules shall apply with regard to new vineyard plantings that were introduced before this production code came into force.

9. In favorable vintages the quantity of grapes harvested and intended for the production of “Chianti Classico” Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita wine must be reduced to the levels indicated above, provided that the global production does not exceed those levels by 20% without prejudice to the limit on yield of wine from grapes for the stipulated quantities.

10. The maximum yield of wine from grapes cannot exceed 70%. Whenever that yield exceeds the percentage indicated above but by no more than 75%, the excess has no right to the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita; beyond said percentage, all the output loses the right to the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita.

11. The grapes destined to vinification must be subjected to prior selection, if necessary, in order to assure that the wine destined to become “Chianti Classico” possesses a minimum natural alcohol level by volume of 11.5%.

12. Transformation of grapes into must for any of the additional wine grape varieties referred to in Art.2 and their subsequent vinification may occur separately, in whole or in part, provided that the assemblage of the base wines thus obtained with the wine made using Sangiovese grapes is done before the legally required certification for the relevant batch is requested and/or before the final product is placed on the market, as is better defined by the article hereunder.

13. All consignments of “Chianti Classico” wine may be marketed only if equipped with the required certificate of suitability issued by the competent Control Body. Those who intend to commercialize within the area of production consignments of new wine still in fermentation and destined to Chianti Classico DOCG must notify the Control Body in charge at least 2 business days prior to the actual transfer. In the event of assemblage of previously certified consignments, a new certificate of analytical and organoleptic suitability must be requested for the assembled consignment.

14. The Chianti Classico wines that are accompanied by the expression “Gran Selezione” must be obtained exclusively from the vinification of grapes produced by the vineyards tended by the bottling company, even if they are bottled by third parties on behalf of the former. Should said grapes be given to Cooperatives, their vinification must be carried out separately and the wines thus produced by said Cooperatives must be bottled separately.

15. The vineyards can begin production of “Chianti Classico” wine only on the third year after planting. However, during said third year the maximum allowed production of grapes is reduced to 40%, and consequently from 7.5 to 3 tons/ha.

 

1. Vinification, storage, and aging operations must be carried out within the production zone defined in Article 3 hereinabove.

2. However, said operations are permitted, with the authorization of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Resources on the basis of a preliminary inquiry conducted by the region of Tuscany and favorable opinion by the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico, in wineries situated outside the above said territory, but no more than ten kilometers by air from the boundaries of said zone, provided that such wineries were already in operation prior to January 1st 2008, and that they belong to establishments that vinify, individually or collectively, grapes suited to the production of “Chianti Classico” wine that were grown in their own or in leased vineyards.

3. Authorizations granted to this date remain valid.

4. Operations involving bottling and bottle fining and aging must be carried out within the production area defined in Article 3 hereinabove.

5. Pursuant to Article 8 of Regulation 607/2009, bottling or conditioning must be carried out within the above said delimited geographical area in order to safeguard the quality and reputation of Chianti Classico DOCG wine, to guarantee its origin and to provide assurance on the effectiveness of all relevant controls.

6. However, the wineries authorized to carry out vinification outside the designated area pursuant to paragraph 2 of this article may also carry out, within the same establishment, operations involving the bottling and/or bottle fining and aging of wine made from the vinification of grapes suitable for the production of “Chianti Classico” that were grown in their own or in leased vineyards, individually or collectively.

7. All bottling authorizations granted to this date remain valid.

8. Likewise, in particular contingent situations and in any case for a maximum transitional period of three years, wineries situated in the provinces of Florence and Siena or bordering the same provinces within Tuscany may be authorized, upon favorable opinion by the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico and with the authorization of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry

Resources, to carry out operations involving bottling and/or bottle fining and aging, provided that:

– The wineries pertain to establishments that have been bottling “Chianti Classico” wine within the area of production for at least ten years.

– Said operations regard wine that has been transferred only after having been certified as Chianti Classico DOCG and are carried out within the period of validity of said certification.

9. In vinification, only local, correct and consistent procedures permitted by applicable regulations are authorized.

10. Enrichment is permitted under the conditions stipulated in European Community and national regulations, provided that the maximum production of wine per hectare and the minimum natural alcohol level of the grapes, as indicated in Article 4, are respected.

If effected, enrichment must be carried out either with concentrated must produced with grapes indigenous to the production zone of the “Chianti Classico” wine, or with concentrated rectified must or grape sugar.

11. For must and wines destined to Chianti Classico “Gran Selezione” wine, enrichment is not permitted with the addition of exogenous products; in any case, the increase in the natural alcoholic strength by volume must not exceed 1% vol.

12. “Chianti Classico” wine can be released for consumption no sooner than October 1 of the year following the harvest.

13. “Chianti Classico” wine that is to be issued as a “Riserva” can be released for consumption only after it has been subjected to at least 24 months of aging, of which at least 3 months of bottle fining.

14. “Chianti Classico” wine that is to be issued as “Gran Selezione” can be released for consumption only after it has been subjected to at least 30 months of aging, of which at least 3 months of bottle fining.

15. The bottle fining period for “Chianti Classico” wine that is to be issued as “Riserva” and of “Chianti Classico” wine that is to be issued as “Gran Selezione” may also be carried out outside the area of vinication, provided that the bottles already bear the label and neck sticker that replaces the Government Seal, following the certification of the relevant consignment of wine.

16. The period of aging is calculated from the January 1 of the year following the harvest.

1. When it is released for consumption, “Chianti Classico” Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita wine must possess the following characteristics:

– color: shades of deep ruby red;

– odor: persistent, with floral notes and typical vinous character;

– flavor: dry, fresh, sapid and lightly tannic, a sensation that fines in time;

– minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 12,00%;

– minimum total acidity: 4,5 g/l;

– minimum non-reducing extract: 24,0 g/l.

2. When it is released for consumption, the “Riserva” Chianti Classico Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita wine must possess the following characteristics:

– color: lively ruby-red tending to garnet with aging;

– odor: intense, persistent with floral notes;

– flavor: dry, harmonious, with good tannins;

– minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 12,50% vol;

– minimum total acidity: 4,5 g/l;

– minimum non-reducing extract: 25,0 g/l.

3. When it is released for consumption, the “Gran Selezione” Chianti Classico Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita must possess the following characteristics:

– color: lively ruby-red tending to garnet with aging;

– odor: spicy and persistent;

– flavor: dry, persistent, balanced;

– minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 13.00 % vol;

– minimum total acidity: 4,5 g/l;

– minimum non-reducing extract: 26,0 g/l.

4. “Chianti Classico” denominazione di origine controllata e garantita wines may sometimes have subtle scents of wood.

1. The “Chianti Classico” Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita is distinguished exclusively and obligatorily by the brand “Gallo Nero” in the graphic and text format attached to the present production code (Attachment n.2) to be used strictly in conjunction with the Chianti Classico denomination.

2. Within 12 months from the transitional authorization stipulated in Article 13 of Ministerial Decree of 7 November 2012, all bottlers must affix the “Gallo Nero” brand on the bottle. Said brand is distributed by the Consorzio di Tutela Vino Chianti Classico or is printed on the label by the involved wineries, and it must be used and affixed on the bottles in the manner established by the specific regulation issued by said Consorzio. The requirements of said consortium regulation apply also to non-members of the Consorzio, pursuant to Article 17, paragraph 7 of Legislative Decree n.61 of April 8th 2010.

3. In identifying “Chianti Classico” wine the term vigna (vineyard) can be used, on condition that it is followed by a corresponding place name or traditional name, that vinification and storage of the wine occur in separate containers, and that the above said term, followed by the related place name or traditional name, is distinctly indicated in the annual grape harvest report, in the vineyard register and in the accompanying shipping documents, as well as in the appropriate regional list pursuant to Article 6, paragraph 8 of Legislative Decree n.61/2010. The use of citations referring to personal or corporate names, or to individual or collective brand names that do not possess any laudatory significance or are not such as to mislead the consumer about the origin or nature of the product is permitted, provided the specific applicable regulations are complied with.

4. In addition, the use of terms referring to areas from which the grapes used to make the wine actually come is permitted on condition that such terms, different from the place names of vineyards, have been recognized in accordance with the procedures established by existing applicable law.

5. The year in which the grapes were produced must always appear on the bottles or other containers in which the “Chianti Classico” wine is issued for consumption.

6. It is forbidden to add to the label any qualification besides those provided for in this production code, including such terms as “extra,” “fine,” “scelto,” “selezionato,” “superiore,” “vecchio” and similar expressions, except for those specified in this production code.

7. The term “Classico” on the labels of wines that satisfy the requirements contained in this production code must always follow the word “Chianti” and must be printed in typographical characters of the same size.

1. “Chianti Classico” a denominazione di origine controllata e garantita wine can be released for consumption only in glass bottles of the bordelaise kind, in all the accepted formats, and in the “fiasco toscano” (straw-wrapped bottle), as is defined in its characteristics by Article 1, paragraph 2, letter c) of Law 82 of 20 February 2006. Other formats of traditional bottles that are appropriate to the time-honored character of a premium wine may be used, provided the requesting establishments receive specific authorization from the Consorzio di Tutela.

2. “Chianti Classico” Riserva wine and “Chianti Classico” Gran Selezione wine may not be bottled in the “fiasco toscano” (straw-wrapped bottle).

3. “Chianti Classico” wine may be bottled exclusively using straight corks that are level with the lip. The only exceptions are crown caps or twist-off caps for containers with a capacity of up to 0,250 liters.