It is a fascinating narrative of historical rivalry, winemaking talent, and legislative hurdles that Chianti came to be so renowned, and how its wine won its position on the international stage. How Chianti got to be so famous is a story that has been told for centuries. When you let the notes dance on your tongue on your Chianti wine tour, the experience of tasting wine will be all the more memorable if you are aware of the history behind the wine. Continue reading in order to acquire a sense of the past. The Area in Question The city of Florence was one of the most powerful city states in Italy throughout the Middle Ages. It was also the center of the winemaking industry in Italy. However, the hills that are located between Florence and Siena did not become known as Chianti until the fourteenth century. It was in 1716 that Grand Duke Cosimo III de Medici created what is largely considered to be the first regulation ever to oversee the development of vineyards. Wine tours are offered in this region, which was really the first demarcated winemaking zone. The Consortium In 1924, a total of 33 local producers came together to create a consortium for the purpose of defending Chianti wines. This was done since it was necessary to safeguard them because Chianti wines are so magnificent. Tour guides often emphasize the fact that this consortium chose a Gallo Nero, which is a black rooster, as their emblem, so harkening back to the old conflicts that existed between the various regions. Since the League of Chianti was established in 1384, the Gallo Nero has been an emblematic representation of the military organization that was known as the League of Chianti. Along the southern frontiers of the area, the League defended the territory of the region which was under assault. First of all, why would you choose to have a black rooster? According to the mythology, Florence and Siena once made the decision to settle their long-standing rivalry by sending two knights to battle against one another instead. The next morning, the knights would have to race each other to a predetermined location, and they would have to leave their respective towns as soon as the first cry of the rooster was heard. The rooster that the Florentine knight picked was black, whereas the rooster that Siena’s man chose was white. The Sienese overfed their rooster the night before, which eventually led to their downfall: the hungry Florentine bird started its song far earlier than its counterpart, allowing its knight equivalent plenty of time to defeat his opponent! Between the years 1924 and 1967, the Consortium spent its time working to legally safeguard the well-known winemaking techniques of the area. They were instrumental in ensuring that the wines produced in this region were recognized as being distinct from those produced in other Tuscan vintages. With the help of this group, the wines from the area were finally given the respect and special recognized status that they deserved during their whole existence. Classico You may be certain that the Classico vintage will be one of the most memorable moments of your Chianti wine tour. Within the framework of the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC), Classico was granted its very own set of manufacturing guidelines that were more specific and individualized. In accordance with the regulations, it is required to be manufactured in accordance with very high standards in order to maintain the original recipe for success: It is required that all of the grapes utilized come from the same original Classico wine region. These have to be obtained from vineyards in which at least eighty percent of the grapes are those of the sangiovese variety. The process of vinification, preservation, and bottling are all activities that must be carried out inside the manufacturing area. At a minimum of twenty-four months, Classico Reserva must be aged. Despite the fact that the sangiovese grape is the most widely grown red variety in Italy, cultivating it to its full potential continues to be a challenge. It is quite sensitive to its surroundings, including the composition of the soil and the weather, and it requires careful pruning in order to preserve its structure. During your Chianti wine tour, you should take the time to admire the extremely experienced winemakers who are the producers of the wine. You are now able to satisfy your appetite for information, and you can now look forward to the opportunity to enjoy the high-quality vintages on your own. If you are interested in learning even more about this delicious beverage, make sure to make your reservation with a local tour operator that has a good reputation. Publisher’s Plate Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent company that provides trips and excursions across Italy that are remarkable, including the greatest Chianti wine tours. It doesn’t matter whether you want to ride a vintage Vespa, sample the world-famous wine, or get your hands dirty in the kitchen with fresh foods from the area; Mauro’s business guarantees exhilaration, adventure, and most importantly, joy. There is no need to seek any farther than WalkAbout Florence for your next vacation if you are eager to experience the enchantment of Italy with the assistance of some tour guides who are enthusiastic and very informed.