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On one hand there are those who are pushing the inclusion of the sub-areas in the categorization of Chianti Classico.

On the other hand there are those who are still holding back. In the meantime the Gallo Nero, which is awaiting the appointment of the successor of the former General Director Giuseppe Liberatore, is busy planning its international marketing strategy.

A situation well described by Sergio Zingarelli, president of the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico, during “Terra Vocata”, the meeting organized on Friday 27th October at the Certosa di Pontignano by the wine producers of the Classico Berardenga association.

“Has the debate about the sub-areas arrived at a conclusion? This is a very relevant issue,” Zingarelli said. “Unfortunately, on the Management Board we have very different opinions on the matter. There are already three categories: Chianti Classico, Riserva, Gran Selezione. Some members would say yes to the addition of another geographic area, but not to further division in the sub-areas”.

Among the issues that Zingarelli pointed out: “To which category should this division be linked, the Great Selezione maybe? Or the Gran Selezione and Reserva? Or to all of them? Then there is the issue of the areas which are not entirely within the Chianti Classico territory, such as Tavarnelle, Barberino and Poggibonsi. There are different municipalities, and areas like Panzano which is almost a municipality in itself. Some areas, like Greve in Chianti, would like to set themselves apart. The general feeling is that this issue is dividing us, rather than uniting us”.

“Every member has different ideas, but we have to find a solution because everyone is asking for it: we definitely have to work harder on the Gran Selezione – we were very brave when we presented it to the market, and at first we received criticism, but now we can see the results. Now we need to take a second step, probably altering its ampeleographic base and then considering additional geographic areas.”

“The different associations that work together with the wine producers and the Consorzio? I find it all very positive,” Zingarelli concluded, “But in my opinion, all Chianti Classico is an ideal terroir. It’s important that these local associations value the specificity of their territory, but not by saying… we are better than all the others”.

Matteo Pucci

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