- Chianti Classico DOCG (black rooster logo):
- Hills between Florence and Sienna, 200–600 meters above sea level, galestro shale and alberese limestone.
- Three-level system: Vintage → Riserva → Gran Selezione.
- New regulations have been verified: 11 UGAs (gazetted in 2023-07) are used for the Gran Selezione label; the lower limit of Gran Selezione Gioviche will rise to 90% from the 2027 vintage; there are currently 187 houses/245 models in this category (Decanter; Club Oenologique).
- Brunello di Montalcino DOCG: 100% Sangiovese (Brunello selection); most aged (5 years before release, Riserva 6 years, general knowledge); warmer and fuller than Chianti. No new regulatory changes were found this time (not verified).
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG: Be aware of the teaching trap - this is the Sangiovese wine of the "place name" Montepulciano, which is different from the "variety" Montepulciano (Abruzzo).
- Bolgheri Bolgheri DOC and Coastal Zone: The birthplace of Super Tuscany - Sassicaia (with exclusive DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia), Ornellaia, Masseto; Italian Bordeaux blend of Cabernet/Merlot on coastal gravel - direct reading with Bordeaux courses (general knowledge).
- Others: Vernaccia di San Gimignano (white DOCG), Maremma, Morellino di Scansano, Vin Santo (general knowledge).
AT A GLANCE
01
Chianti Classico DOCG (black rooster logo):
02
Hills between Florence and Sienna, 200–600 meters above sea level, galestro shale and alberese limestone.
03
Three-level system: Vintage → Riserva → Gran Selezione.