Becoming Chianti Classico

Delve into the rich, aromatic history of one of Italy's most revered wine regions. Join author Mike Madaio in an exploration of the origins of Chianti Classico DOCG, tracing its journey from Etruscan Tuscany to international acclaim. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, explore the intricate tapestry of tradition, innovation, and rivalry that led to Chianti Classico's distinction from the broader Chianti DOCG. Highlighting the unique history and pivotal historical moments, the book delves into the critical 20th-century period when differing philosophies about quality and production methods culminated in the official separation in the 1990s. Deeply insightful but short enough to read in one or two sittings, this monograph offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of a wine that is more than just a drink—it's a legacy.

This book tells the story of the ancient land named Chianti and the modern wine appellation known as Chianti Classico. In 1716, TuscanyÕs penultimate Medici ruler, Cosimo III, anointed the region of Chianti, along with three smaller areas in the Florentine State, as the worldÕs first legal appellations of origin for wine. In the succeeding centuries, this milestone was all but forgotten. By the late nineteenth century, the name Chianti, rather than signifying this historic region and its celebrated wine, identified a simple Italian red table wine in a straw-covered flask. Ê In the twenty-first century, Chianti Classico emerged as one of ItalyÕs most dynamic and fashionable wine zones. Chianti Classico relates the fascinating evolution of Chianti as a wine region and reveals its geographic and cultural complexity. Bill Nesto, MW, and Frances Di Savino explore the townships of Chianti Classico and introduce readers to the modern-day winegrowers who are helping to transform the region. The secrets of Sangiovese, the principal vine variety of Chianti, are also revealed as the book unlocks the myths and mysteries of one of ItalyÕs most storied wine regions. The publication of Chianti Classico coincides with the three hundredth anniversary of the Medici decree delimiting the region of Chianti on September 24, 1716.

What country brings to mind more visions of romance, more images of breathtaking vineyards, and more scents of mouth-watering food than Italy? In Journey to the Chianti: Getting to Know an Ancient Tuscan Region, Leonardo Castellucci explores a growing Tuscan region of Italy with an unforgettable name: the Chianti. Castellucci brings this region to life through fascinating insights into the regions history and a look at the culture and life today. Castellucci's insight on the local history and character of the Chianti region itself are enough to fascinate and inspire; to add to the impact, the stunning pictures by photographer Gian Luigi Scarfiotti capture the reader's imagination. The vibrant colors of the Chianti region's famous vineyards captured in the book's exceptional photography show why this region is beloved by Italians and Americans alike. The Chianti region has fascinated American travelers for decades and is a must-see tourist spot for everyone visiting the Tuscan region. Chianti is located in the middle of--and serves as a transition between--the medieval city of Sienna and renaissance city of Florence. Because it is a crossroads between these two vibrant and historic cities, it contains a rich melding of history itself. Journey to the Chianti: Getting to Know an Ancient Tuscan Region is the perfect addition to every traveler's or wine aficionado's collection. Chianti is Italy's most renowned wine, and Castellucci shows us why with a wonderful overview of its production processes, history, and little known facts such as that Chianti used to be a white wine instead of red. This is a rare beauty of a book that will be treasured by book lovers, travelers, "foodies," wine aficionados, and lovers of all things Italian alike.

“An important new book on Chianti Classico: Winners of the André Simon 2013 award for their book The World of Sicilian Wine, Nesto and Di Savino have produced the investigative, scholarly and detailed book that Chianti Classico has long deserved. Nesto and Di Savino are brilliant historic investigators. . . . A must-read for anyone seriously interested in wine.”—Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com This book tells the story of the ancient land named Chianti and the modern wine appellation known as Chianti Classico. In 1716, Tuscany’s penultimate Medici ruler, Cosimo III, anointed the region of Chianti, along with three smaller areas in the Florentine State, as the world’s first legal appellations of origin for wine. In the succeeding centuries, this milestone was all but forgotten. By the late nineteenth century, the name Chianti, rather than signifying this historic region and its celebrated wine, identified a simple Italian red table wine in a straw-covered flask. In the twenty-first century, Chianti Classico emerged as one of Italy’s most dynamic and fashionable wine zones. Chianti Classico relates the fascinating evolution of Chianti as a wine region and reveals its geographic and cultural complexity. Bill Nesto, MW, and Frances Di Savino explore the townships of Chianti Classico and introduce readers to the modern-day winegrowers who are helping to transform the region. The secrets of Sangiovese, the principal vine variety of Chianti, are also revealed as the book unlocks the myths and mysteries of one of Italy’s most storied wine regions. The publication of Chianti Classico coincides with the three hundredth anniversary of the Medici decree delimiting the region of Chianti on September 24, 1716.

The head of Italy’s "first family" of winemaking reflects on the Antinoris’ six-hundred-year legacy and a life of good food and drink in the hills of Tuscany. If you know wine, you know the name Antinori. Since 1385, this noble Florentine family has produced some of Italy’s finest wines. The Hills of Chianti tells the story of the Antinoris and the Tuscany they call home, through seven iconic bottles that define their legacy. From the Tignanello that ushered in the era of Super Tuscans to limited-edition vintages, these wines embody a way of life and will excite oenophile readers and lovers of Italy alike. In this family memoir Piero Antinori reveals the passion, tradition, and love of craft that have driven twenty-seven generations of vintners: from the first ancestor who signed up to the winemakers guild in the fourteenth century to Antinori’s own three daughters, poised to carry this most celebrated family of artisans into the future. But The Hills of Chianti is about much more than wine. At its heart the Antinori story is about "Tuscan-ness": a connection to the land, an appreciation for good food and drink, and the quintessentially Italian love of hospitality that make this one of the world’s most inspiring and memorable destinations.

Raymond Flower brings the enchanting history of the secluded Italian region Chianti to vivid life. Using meticulous research, Flower presents the engrossing tales of the Etruscans, the Romans, the Lombards, the factions of the Guelphs and the Ghibellines and explores the rise of the communes and the struggles between the Empire and the Papacy. In the late Middle Ages, Chianti was the scene of decisive battles, and many of its medieval buildings were destroyed in the Aragonese invasions of the 15th century. Flower is himself a wine grower, and this dazzling story evokes the beauty of the vintage, which has been a part of the region since Etruscan times.

Italy’s Native Wine Grape Terroirs is the definitive reference book on the myriad crus and the grand cru wine production areas of Italy’s native wine grapes. Ian D’Agata’s approach to discussing wine, both scientific and discursive, provides an easy-to-read, enjoyable guide to Italy’s best terroirs. Descriptions are enriched with geologic data, biotype and clonal information, producer anecdotes and interviews, and facts and figures compiled over fifteen years of research devoted to wine terroirs. In-depth analysis is provided for the terroirs that produce both the well-known wines (Barolo, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino) and those not as well-known (Grignolino d’Asti, Friuli Colli Orientali Picolit, Ischia). Everyday wine lovers, beginners, and professionals alike will find this new book to be the perfect complement to D’Agata’s previous award-winning Native Wine Grapes of Italy.