A brief history of Chianti

The Chianti wine region, located in the heart of Tuscany, has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. This picturesque region is known for its rolling hills, cypress trees, and beautiful vineyards that produce some of the world's finest wines.

Chianti wines were first mentioned in the 13th century, but it wasn't until the 17th and 18th centuries that the region began to gain recognition for its high-quality wines. In 1716, Cosimo III de' Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, established the first official boundaries for the Chianti wine region, which included the areas of Gaiole, Radda, and Castellina.

Then, in the 19th century, came the rise of the Sangiovese grape, which is now the most widely-planted grape in the Chianti region. This grape variety is known for its high acidity and tannins, which make it the perfect base for the bold and flavourful Chianti wines.

In the 20th century, the Chianti region experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to the efforts of the Chianti Classico Consortium, which was established in 1924. This organization worked to promote the wines of the region and establish strict quality standards for Chianti wines, which included the requirement that they be made from at least 80% Sangiovese grapes.

Have a look at some of the Chianti wines we have available