Chianti wine was mentioned at the beginning of the 15th century, but officially delimited by Cosimo III, Grand Duke Of Tuscany, in 1716.
Now there are two distinct areas –
Chianti Classico ( as per 1716 declaration), and Chianti surrounding the original area.
Since, the first classification, Chianti has gone through several evolutions.
Today, there are three levels of quality designations,
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione,
Chianti Classico Riserva,
Chianti Classico Annata.
All must comply with strict rules and regulations of the Chianti Classico Black Rooster Association.
The wines of Chianti Classico are exported to 130 countries.
The biggest importer is the U S A, mostly due to Italian immigration and popularity of Italian restaurants in the country, followed by Germany, and Canada.
Chianti Classico wineries visit Toronto annually offering seminars for the trade and media, then follow up with a tasting. In 2017, 28 wineries participated, and poured approximately 80 wines of which I tasted 50 plus.
My recommendations are:
Chianti Classico
2014, Borgo Scopeto
92/100
Will be offered in December by Vintages
2011 Certosa di Pontignano, Dievole
89/100
2014 Berardenga, Fattoria Felsina
89/100
2014, Il Molino di Grace
89/100
2014, Le Fonti, Le Fonti Panzano
91+/100
2014, Poggio Bonelli, Poggio Bonelli
89/100
2015, Terre di Prenzano, Vignamaggio
88+/100
Chianti Classico Riserva
2012, Misciano, Borgo Scopeto
92+/100
2013, Carobbio
89+/100
2013, Se Lapo, Castello di Fonterutoli
89/100
2013, Castello di Gabiano
89/100
2014, Agostino Petri, Castello di Vichiomaggio
89/100
2011 Querciavalle, Losi
89+/100
2013, Ducale, Ruffino
89+/100
2013, Il Grigio da San Felice, Castello di San Felice
88+/100
Chanti Classico Gran Selezione
2010, Fattoria la Rippa
91+/100
2013, Castello di Fonterutoli
90+/100
2013, La Prima, Castello Vicchiomaggio
91/100
2012, Madonnino della Piave, Castelvecchi
89+/100
2011, Colonia, Fattoria Felsina
90+/100
210, Losi Millenium, Losi Querciavalle
89+/100
2012, Ducale Oro, Ruffino
91+/100
2012, Il Grigio da San Felice
89/100
San Felice
All above are represented in Ontario
