Understanding Italian Wine Classification

Sangiovese: The star grape, creating deep, savory reds with high acidity and tannins.

Chianti & Chianti Classico: Iconic, food-friendly reds from Sangiovese, with Classico being the historic heartland.

Brunello di Montalcino: A powerful, age-worthy 100% Sangiovese wine from Montalcino.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: Another top Sangiovese-based red, known for its elegance.

Super Tuscans: Innovative blends, often featuring Sangiovese with international grapes (Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah) for a richer style (e.g., Sassicaia, Tignanello).

Vernaccia di San Gimignano: Tuscany's most famous crisp, dry white wine.

Vin Santo: A traditional sweet dessert wine, often enjoyed with biscotti.

 

Tuscany’s quality hierarchy tells you how long a wine has been aged and the level of selection involved:

Annata – the standard vintage wine, fresh and fruit-forward.

Riserva – aged longer, with added depth and complexity.

Gran Selezione – Chianti Classico’s top tier, crafted from the estate’s best grapes and aged for at least 30 months.

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Italian Classification Hierarchy (Highest to Lowest)

Brunello di Montalcino

Chianti Classico

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Carmignano

Vernaccia di San Gimignano (White)

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DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita): Highest quality tier, guaranteeing origin and strict production rules. Tuscany has 11 DOCGs, including:

DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata): Second tier, also regulating origin, with over 40 in Tuscany, like Bolgheri and Morellino di Scansano.

IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica): Allows more flexibility in grape varieties and winemaking, crucial for Super Tuscans.

VdT (Vino da Tavola): Table wine, the lowest tier, historically used by Super Tuscans before IGT