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.: 10.5
- Minimum total alcoholic strength % vol.: 12.5
- Minimum total acidity: 4.0 g/l
- Minimum non-reducing extract: 24.0 g/l
- Grape-to-wine yield: 70
- Maximum wine yield per hectare (hl): 77
- Minimum vine density: 4,100 vines/ha
- Release date: January 1 of the second year following the harvest (minimum 24-month aging process)
Introduction
The Chianti Riserva DOCG represents an elevated style of Chianti DOCG, setting itself apart from standard versions through mandatory extended aging, distinctive sensory development, and strict bottling requirements.
Description of Chianti Riserva DOCG
This extended period of maturation deeply transforms the sensory characteristics of the wine compared to its younger counterpart. Visually, its vivid ruby red color progressively acquires rich garnet reflections over time. On the nose, the intensity of the aromas becomes significantly more refined, often featuring the classic perfume of violets while developing greater complexity. On the palate, the wine moves beyond the fresh fruit profile of entry-level one to deliver a dry, savory, and structured taste with prominent tannins that gradually soften through aging into a velvety, smooth finish with subtle wild berry notes.
Production methods for Chianti Riserva DOCG
While the core production process follows the fundamental standards of Chianti DOCG (detailed further on our dedicated production page), a Chianti Riserva DOCG is distinguished by a minimum aging period of two years before reaching the market, officially calculated starting from January 1 of the year following the harvest.
In addition to extended aging, the production rules enforce specific packaging criteria to safeguard the wine‘s quality. While standard Chianti DOCG permits various modern closure systems allowed under current wine laws, a Chianti Riserva DOCG must strictly be sealed with a traditional, flush-cut cylindrical cork.
Unless otherwise specified, the production method for this wine is identical to the one described on the Chianti DOCG page.
Nutritional facts table
Nutritional values are not specified in the guidelines. You may refer to the average nutritional facs table for standard ordinary wine.