The Consorzio del Vino Chianti Classico has recently ratified new measures to upgrade the region’s vintage and Riserva wines.

This would mean producers have to make a decision early, in the production stage, about which grapes are destined for which wines- Bill Hermitage

It is set to carry out a major overhaul, which will see the creation of a new level of wine above Riserva by introducing new rules governing production, bulk wine and a redesigning of the bottle seal’s distinctive black cockerel logo.

The new-look logo will also move from the governmental seal to the neck of the bottle.

This new icon Chianti Classico, which is still to be officially named, will focus predominantly on the provenance of the grapes used to produce it. Only Chianti Classico that has been produced exclusively from grapes grown on that proprietor’s own land will be permitted to use the new status.

This means that grapes brought in from other vineyards not under their ownership or even wines made from grapes grown in vineyards not under their ownership, will be automatically excluded and therefore not qualify for this new elevated status.

The changes to production regulations were proposed to the assembly after more than two years of work by the consortium’s board of directors and consultants.

Other upgrades will require that this new, top-level wine can only be sold after 30 months from harvesting and it must be bottled for a minimum of three months.

Even the Riserva, which accounts for 30 per cent of the amount produced and 40 per cent of the region’s value, is being revamped. While the maturation period remains unchanged, winemakers must declare the vintage and category when applying for certification.

This would mean producers have to make a decision early, in the production stage, about which grapes are destined for which wines.