Chianti Riserva DOCG (Reserve Chianti CGDO)
Food, Plant source foods, Alcoholic beverages, Fermented alcoholic beverages, Wines, Ordinary wines, Chianti DOCG (Chianti CGDO)
Main characteristics: Red wines, Still wines
Consumption area(s): Italy 🇮🇹
Production area (s): Asciano, Arezzo, Bagno a Ripoli, Barberino Val d’Elsa, Bucine, Capannoli, Capolona, Capraia e Limite, Carmignano, Casole d’Elsa, Casciana Terme, Castelfiorentino, Castelfranco di Sopra, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Castiglion Fibocchi, Cavriglia, Cerreto Guidi, Certaldo, Cetona, Chianciano, Chianni, Chiusi, Civitella in Val di Chiana, Colle Val d’Elsa, Crespina, Dicomano, Empoli, Fauglia, Fiesole, Figline e Incisa Valdarno, Firenze, Foiano della Chiana, Gambassi Terme, Impruneta, Lajatico, Lamporecchio, Larciano, Lari, Lastra a Signa, Laterina, Londa, Lorenzana, Loro Ciuffenna, Lucignano, Marciano della Chiana, Monsummano Terme, Montaione, Montalcino, Montale, Monte San Savino, Montepulciano, Monteriggioni, Monteroni Val d’Arbia, Montelupo Fiorentino, Montemurlo, Montespertoli, Montevarchi, Montopoli Valdarno, Murlo, Palaia, Peccioli, Pelago, Pergine Valdarno, Pienza, Pian di Sco, Pistoia, Poggio a Caiano, Poggibonsi, Ponsacco, Pontassieve, Pontedera, Quarrata, Radicondoli, Rapolano Terme, Reggello, Rignano sull’Arno, Rufina, San Casciano dei Bagni, San Casciano in Val di Pesa, San Gimignano, San Miniato, Santa Luce, Sarteano, Scandicci, Serravalle Pistoiese, Siena, Signa, Sinalunga, Sovicille, Subbiano, Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Terranuova Bracciolini, Terricciola, Torrita di Siena, Trequanda, Vinci
Charateristics of the wine:
- Maximum grape yield (t/ha): 11
- Minimum natural alcoholic strength % vol.: 11.5
- Minimum total alcoholic strength % vol.: 12.5 (13 for the “Colli Senesi” subzone)
- Minimum total acidity: 4.0 g/l
- Minimum non-reducing extract: 24.0 g/l (25 g/l for subzones)
- Grape-to-wine yield: 70
- Maximum wine yield per hectare (hl): 77
- Minimum vine density: 4,000 vines/ha
Introduction
Chianti Riserva DOCG represents one of the premier tier of quality and aging within the Chianti DOCG denomination. Defined by a mandatory maturation period of at least two years and stricter analytical standards—including higher minimum alcohol content and dry extract—this designation delivers enhanced structure, complexity, and long-term cellaring potential compared to standard Chianti DOCG.
Description of Chianti Riserva DOCG
Chianti Riserva is recognized for its mature and refined organoleptic profile. Visually, it exhibits an intense ruby red color that gradually evolves towards garnet hues with age. On the nose, it offers a rich and complex bouquet dominated by ripe red berries, dried flowers, spices, and oak-derived notes. On the palate, it is dry, well-structured, warm, and harmonious, supported by elegant tannins and a long finish.
A key feature of Chianti Riserva DOCG is that it can bear the specific name of a recognized subzone on the label alongside the “Riserva” mention, provided the grapes are sourced entirely from that specific sub-territory and meet its designated criteria. The subzones are: Colli Aretini, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colline Pisane, Montalbano, Montespertoli, Rufina and Terre di Vinci
Production methods fo Chianti Riserva DOCG
The production method for this wine remains grounded in the traditional ampelographic blend and core winemaking protocols set for standard Chianti DOCG, relying on the same primary grape varieties and underlying viticultural guidelines. However, what fundamentally sets a Riserva apart is the rigorous timeline imposed on its maturation prior to release. To earn this designation, the wine must undergo a mandatory extended aging period of at least two years (24 months), officially calculated starting from January 1st following the harvest year.
Nutritional facts table
Nutritional values are not specified in the guidelines. You may refer to the average nutritional facs table for standard ordinary wine.