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Why is Gallo Nero (the Black Rooster) the symbol of Chianti Classico?
The Gallo Nero (Black Rooster) has always been the symbol of the entire Chianti region. The origin of this is lost in time: an amusing legend narrates of the rivalry existing in the Middle Ages between Siena and Florence. According to this legend, in order to cease their endless fighting, the two Tuscan cities decided to leave the definition of their respective boundaries to a remarkable feat between knights: they were to leave their hometowns at cockcrow and wherever they would have met each other, that exact spot would have been the border between the two republics. For this purpose, the citizens of Siena raised a beautiful white rooster, which grew big and fat. The Florentines, instead, chose a black rooster and never fed him, so that on the fateful day he was so famished, he started to crow even before sunrise. As a result, the Florentine knight was able to set out very early in the morning: he met the knight from Siena in Fonterutoli –merely twelve Kilometers from Siena -, as the latter had left much later: this is the reason why almost all of the Chianti territory was united under the rule of the Florentine Republic. Even if this is only a legend, it is however confirmed that the Black Rooster profile has represented the emblem of the historic Chianti League, which ruled over these lands since the beginning of the 14th century. The artist Giorgio Vasari painted the Black Rooster on the ceiling of the Salone dei Cinquecento in Palazzo Vecchio, as an allegorical representation of the Chianti region. The Consortium has ultimately selected this seven-century old symbol as a certification of its wines.

How many are the municipalities that make up the Chianti Classico region?
The Chianti Classico region is comprised of 9 municipalities, situated between the cities of Siena and of Florence. Four of these municipalities are entirely within the historical boundaries the Gallo Nero area, while five of them are partially within said limit. The municipalities that are entirely located within the Territory are followed by the suffix "in Chianti", and they are: Greve in Chianti (FI), Radda in Chianti (SI), Castellina in Chianti (SI) e Gaiole in Chianti (SI). Instead the municipalities that are only partially included within said region are: Tavarnelle in Val di Pesa (FI), San Casciano in Val di Pesa (FI), Barberino Val d’Elsa (FI), Poggibonsi (SI), Castelnuovo Berardenga (SI).

Which is the minimum percentage of Sangiovese wine allowed by the Chianti Classico regulation?
According to the amended regulation, the minimum percentage of Sangiovese has been increased from 75 to 80%. Naturally, Sangiovese may be worked pure ("in purezza"**) (100%). Together with Sangiovese, other red-grape varieties may be included (such as the autochthonous varieties, like Canaiolo and Colorino, as well as other more "international" ones, like Cabernet Saubignon and Merlot) but in the maximum percentage of 20%, while the use of white-grape varieties, such as Trebbiano and Malvasia has not been allowed since the harvest of 2006.

How many hectares of vineyards are registered in Chianti Classico?
7.000 hectars

Which is the percentage represented by the Consortium compared to the entire denomination?
95%

What is the minimum alcoholic content of Chianti Classico established by the production regulation?
12%

According to said regulation, how many months must the Chianti Classico Reserve age before it can be marketed?
24