Features

The Chianti Classico climate is of a continental type, with relatively low temperatures in winter (4-5 degrees C. or 39-41 degrees F.) and dry, hot summers in which it is not rare for the mercury to rise as high as 35 degrees (95). Temperatures do not vary substantially in the course of a day, which is partly due to altitudes that range from 250 to 600 meters (820-1,968 feet) and exceed 800 meters (2,624 feet) in the Chianti Mountains.

The terrains in the zone are just as diverse as the altitudes and the various types of soil characteristic of the Chianti Classico zone bear no relation to the communal boundaries. However, it can be said that marl predominates at San Casciano in Val di Pesa, while calcareous clay is found in substantial quantity in the soils around Greve in Chianti as well as in all zones at lower altitudes. Sandstone constitutes the backbone of the Chianti Mountains, while limestone is substantially present in the central and southern parts of the district. Tufa is the characteristic stone of much of the countryside around Castelnuovo Berardenga. Ridges consisting principally of sandstone have a severe and steep appearance, while those with substantial calcareous material are softer and more rounded in shape. The hills in which clay is the major component are even gentler. However, an abundance of fragmented rock in the form of stones and pebbles primarily of limestone is a common aspect of the Chianti Classico zone. As to meteorological conditions, annual rainfall measures about 700-800 millimeters. Rain falls principally in the late autumn and spring.



The characteristics of the climate, terrains and altitudes, which are unfavorable for most crops, have made Chianti Classico a region that excels in the production of premium wines. Rows of vines alternating with olive orchards are a characteristic feature of the Chianti landscape. About 7,000 hectares (17,290 acres) of vineyards entered on the DOCG Register for the production of Chianti Classico make this appellation one of the most important in Italy.