Chianti Classico Experience

In the hills between Florence and Siena, Chianti Classico is one of Italy's most storied wine regions.

Right now, it is in the middle of a quiet revolution. New rules have been developed with the ambition to honour the finest quality Chianti Classico. This evening takes you straight to the heart of what's new.

We've selected six wines spanning the official quality pyramid — two Annata, two Riserva, and two Gran Selezione (the highest level introduced in 2014). Gran Selezione is the finest expression of what the Sangiovese grape can achieve in this landscape.

One producer we'll sample is from a family that has worked its estate near Greve since 1524. Sebastiano Capponi, the current custodian, is the 37th generation, and he converted the estate to certified organic in the early 2000s.

Another family has owned their estate since 1435 — nearly six hundred years on the same land. They were among the signatories to the 1716 decree by Cosimo III de' Medici that first defined the Chianti Classico denomination.

We'll also taste from a single vineyard that has been Fèlsina's flagship since the 1980s. The 2021 Racine is the first vintage released under the Gran Selezione designation — a milestone worth tasting.

At the end of the evening you will know what to look for when you buy Chianti Classico, and the foods to pair it with.

Cheeses will be available to try with each pair of wines.