by Luca Grippo
The Chianti Classico Collection 2026 represents one of the most significant moments to observe the evolutionary state of Chianti Classico, not only as a wine appellation, but as a territorial system capable of renewing itself while maintaining a solid and stratified stylistic recognizability.
The edition number thirty-three is presented under the leitmotif “Wine is Culture,” a statement that in the Chianti context takes on a concrete and measurable value: wine as an agricultural expression, but at the same time as a synthesis of history, landscape, rural architecture and collective identity.
The event, hosted as per tradition at the Stazione Leopolda on February 16 and 17 and masterfully organized by the Chianti Classico Consortium, confirms itself as a privileged observatory on the production dynamics of the Black Rooster. The 2026 edition also marks a new participation record, with more than two hundred companies present and hundreds of labels being tasted, restoring the dimension of a denomination in constant qualitative and cultural ferment. It is not just a commercial showcase, but a true moment of collective reflection on the territory’s identity journey.
Alongside the new vintages, the 2026 edition also devotes an in-depth look at the Chianti Classico 2000 project, scientific research that has been instrumental in defining contemporary clones and viticultural practices, substantially influencing the profile of today’s Chianti Classico.
CHIANTI CLASSICO COLLECTION 2026: THE GRAND SELECTION
In this scenario, the Grand Selection takes on a central role, configuring itself not only as the qualitative apex of the appellation, but as a territorial reading tool through which individual farm expressions and geographical specificities emerge with greater clarity.
The Gran Selezione type meets particularly stringent production criteria: Sangiovese constitutes the predominant backbone (min. 90 percent), with possible small additions of other native red grape varieties. Grapes must come exclusively from estate-owned vineyards, often identified as individual parcels or internal selections deemed most representative. Maturation times also follow a more extended path, with aging that exceeds thirty months in total and includes an obligatory passage in the bottle before release, an element that helps define wines that are generally deeper, more compact and predisposed to evolution.
CHIANTI CLASSICO COLLECTION 2026: THE UGA AND THE TERRITORIAL MOSAIC
Talking today about Chianti Classico Collection 2026 inevitably means confronting the system of Additional Geographical Units, an element that since its introduction in 2021 has redefined the way the appellation is read.
The UGAs do not represent a simple cartographic subdivision, but rather an interpretative key that allows Chianti Classico Gran Selezione to express more accurately the altimetric, geological and climatic differences of the district. San Casciano, Greve, Montefioralle, San Donato in Poggio, Panzano, Lamole, Castellina, Radda, Gaiole, Vagliagli, and Castelnuovo Berardenga delineate a set of micro-territories in which Sangiovese takes on different nuances while maintaining a common identity matrix.
Tasting for UGA therefore does not translate into an ordered sequence of tastings, but into a path of comparison between territorial souls, where variability becomes an interpretative value and not an element of stylistic dispersion.
CHIANTI CLASSICO COLLECTION 2026: THE 2022 VINTAGE
The climatic performance of the 2022 vintage can be summarized as weather with constant summer heat, free of excesses, which favored a regular ripening of the grapes, while the water reserves accumulated in the spring limited vegetative stresses. At the same time, nighttime temperature swings contributed to the maintenance of freshness, a key element for Sangiovese.
On a strictly tasting level, the 2022 shows a common figure of full maturity and measured taste progressions. The aromas often recur on registers of well-defined red and dark fruit in the happiest samples, although sometimes there is an over-ripeness of the whole. In the mouth, the wines tend to advance at a steady rather than a jerky pace, showing tannins that are frequently integrated and in the better versions, really well finished. The result is a feeling of harmonious three-dimensionality, where a decisive role is played by sapidity that strengthens and supports without stiffening the freshness. It is a vintage that speaks the language of balance rather than tension and verticality, favoring gustatory continuity and a composure that is already legible from the first tastings.
CHIANTI CLASSICO COLLECTION 2026: THE 2023 VINTAGE
Weather data collected in 2023 tell of a vintage marked by a rainy spring followed by a hot but windy summer. The rainfall required more attention in vineyard management, but the average altitude of the vineyards and the good ventilation of the area contained critical health issues.
In contrast, the cross-sensory reading of the 2023 returns a more dynamic and vibrant register. Olfactory recurrences lean more frequently toward crisp fruit, on balsamic accents that are brighter than deep. On the palate, many wines show a more direct, sometimes snappy attack, supported by evident acidity and lively, energetic tannins. The mouth closure often favors verticality over amplitude, leaving a feeling of momentum rather than roundness and even less overall ripeness. What emerges is a vintage distinguished by tension and expressive precision, in which gustatory energy becomes an element of identity without translating into thinness or structural rigidity.
CHIANTI CLASSICO COLLECTION 2026: FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
Ultimately, the Chianti Classico Collection 2026 returns the image of a conscious appellation balanced between tradition and contemporary interpretation.
Indeed, the Grand Selection confirms itself as a terrain of selection and territorial synthesis. At the same time, it highlights stylistic differences without fragmenting the overall identity of Chianti Classico.
The two vintages do not define a clear hierarchy. Rather, they offer two complementary readings:
- 2022 more rounded and immediate
- 2023 more tense and dynamic
In summary, what unites most of the tastings is the search for balance. In addition, measure is noted in the use of wood, and a growing attention to drinkability emerges as an essential condition for dealing with the current market. Thus, signs of an appellation looking forward without losing its historical coordinates stand out.
CHIANTI CLASSICO COLLECTION 2026: ALL THE TASTINGS OF THE GRAND SELECTION 2022-2023
Tasting method
The tasting order follows the subdivision by UGA, particularly respecting the territorial location from North to South. No numerical scores are given: the goal is to tell the identities of the wines and not to draw up rankings. Therefore, rather than a podium, terroir is sought.
2022
UGA ST. CASCIANO
Calcamura
Dark and composed imprint, with balsamic puffs, graphite and Mediterranean scrub. The sip attacks savory, then tapers into bright freshness that makes it tasty.
The Vineyard of San Martino in Argiano
Nose of ripe cherry, medicinal herbs and licorice puff; then a floral caress. Mouth of substantial balance, with echoes of sweet spices lingering.
UGA GREVE
Carpineto
Sharp, satisfying profile of dark cherry and chiseled herbal tones. The sip captures gently: it vibrates, lengthens and leaves a very clean savory trail.
Vicchiomaggio Castle / The First
Pretty, well-ordered aromas, with mentholated flicker lighting up the picture. The palate flows harmoniously, then bounces on fine tannin and bright finish.
Poggio ai Mandorli
Airy nose of raspberry, bay leaf and Rose petals; actually a fine spiciness complements it. All-drinking, fresh sip with an elegant phenolic texture.
Land / ASofia
Smells intensely of plum and blackberry with deeper flicker of leather; also, hints of dark berries. The sip is soaring, with well-integrated tannin and savory finish.
UGA MONTEFIORALLE
Conti Capponi / Vigna La Fornace
Well-ripened fruit, fine herbal accents and slight touches of incense. The palate is agile, harmonious, with appropriate finish of mineral matrix.
Conti Capponi / Vigna Bastignano
Dark spices and ripe cherry in a deep ensemble. Responsive mouthfeel, with integrated tannin and worthy finish.
Conti Capponi / Vigna Contessa Luisa
Elegant floral timbre, with memories of Rose, chervil and roots. Nicely gripping sip, with floral echoes returning.
Land / Sillano
Fine profile of small red fruits and violet pastilles. In the mouth, it alternates sapidity and tension, leaving an airy and persistent finish.
UGA SAN DONATO IN POGGIO
Emma House
Highly spiced, lavish in its contribution of herbs and ripe fruit. However, it is the mouth that surprises: savory, rhythmic, with an elegant and continuous lengthening.
Castello di Gabbiano / Vigneto Cerbaiola
Intensely perfumed with plum, rose pepper and sweet tobacco on a mentholated breath. The palate advances assertively but reassembles in balance, closing with a saline echo.
In beautiful succession memories of red currant and cherry, cardamom and floral potpourri; then, subtle spices. Fine and energetic palate, with beautiful verticality.
Poggio al Sole / Casasilia
Memories of raspberry, bay leaf and Rose Rose; also, slight graphite to seal the odor picture. Harmonious mouthfeel, flows flavorfully to the worthy finish.
UGA PANZANO
Acquadiaccia
Crisp profile of freshly picked red fruit and thyme. The sip is juicy, with lively tannic texture and an almost saline finish.
Fontodi / Vigna del Sorbo
Refined bouquet with notes of sandalwood, karkadè, sweet tobacco and potpourri. On the sip it is immediately rich in flavor, then rattles noble tannin, closing long.
Fontodi / Terraces San Leolino
Delicious in floral and lavishly spiced memories, with in the wake brushstrokes of white pepper. Mouthfeel at once creamy and saline, with harmonic wake that remains suspended.
Falcole Island / Le Falcole
Pleasant aromas of wild fruits, licorice, then a floral stamp. Well-calibrated palate, with nice phenolic progression and responsive finish.
Le Fonti – Panzano / Le Fonti
Beautiful memories of morello cherry, jelly raspberry and herbs galore. Punchy sip, dissolved tannin and lasting finish.
UGA LAMOLE
Fontodi / Pastrolo
Complex aromas, with burst of underbrush, cloves, then fine spices. Characterful sip, tapped by adequate freshness and resolved tannin.
UGA CASTELLINA
Banfi / Fonte alla Selva
Convinces with raspberry and morello cherry notes then veers further, on slight blood orange sensation. Neat mouthfeel, elegant tannin, tasty finish.
Capraia / Effe 55
Intense tones of cherries and Rose petals, then embrace of scrub herbs. Precise sip, with rich fresh-sappy ensemble.
Castle of Fonterutoli
Complex profile of spice and blond tobacco, black cherry and graphite, yet airy. Mouth perfectly responsive, broad, with refined tannin and extended finish.
La Leccio Castle / Bruciagna
Valuable nose, layered in notes of black cherry and black cherry, mace, underbrush, then floral potpourri. Mouth adequate, harmonious from attack to finish, lasting persistence.
Cecchi / Family Value
Trellis of sweet spices, ripe fruit and peppercorn zest; also, nice balsamic freshness. Mouth with soft attack, then nice fresh-sappy shake.
Zingarelli Family / Sergio Zingarelli
Fresh, pummeling nose in notes of marine scrub, chervil and worthy balsamic thrust. In the mouth it advances without relenting, with tasty development and well-integrated tannin.
Nittardi
Unmistakably fruity imprint, with memories of black cherries and sour cherries, in happy mix with tones of flint and spice. Creamy flavor incipit, soon interrupted by lively freshness.
Pomona / The Little Man
Incisive in sensations of red and black fruit, dark spices and peony. In the mouth it is well interspersed with softness and hints of ripe fruit. Not without an acidic edge on the finish.
Querceto di Castellina / Six
A hint of oriental spices accompanies aromas of wild herbs and a floral surge. Measured structure and dissolved tannin for a mouthfeel of perfect balance.
Ruffino / Riserva Ducale Oro
Nose rich in earthy aromas and well-ripened fruit, with balsamic brushstrokes and tobacco close. Sorso with precise fresh-sappy ensemble. Long persistence.
Tregole
Sharp aromas of anise and ripe fruit, cinchona and Rose. Caressing palate, with well-set phenolic mass.
UGA RADDA
Albola Castle / The Solatio
A cascade of juicy cherries, pink pepper, tobacco and violets galore. Responsive and flavorful sip with a well-orchestrated tannic texture.
Castle of Fonterutoli / Badiola
Well-expressed nose on sensations of black cherry and medicinal herbs, peony and menthol. Lively sip, buoyant tannin and lingering finish.
Volpaia Castle / The Pure Casanova
Definitely intense in aromas of blackberries and black cherries, then brushstrokes of licorice, mace and cinchona in the background. Rich and elegant at the same time, denoting well-integrated tannin and creamy finish.
Istine / Casanova Vineyard of the Hague
Recalls notes of leather and plums, pepper and dried flowers; then wet stone. Responsive and well-calibrated sip, with fine tannin.
UGA GAIOLE
Borratella / Sasso del Borro
Perfect mix of fruit, flower, blond tobacco and mocha aromas. Radiant sip, has lively, well-integrated tannin.
Ama Castle / San Lorenzo
Nose captained by rich fruity aromas, then fine spices, hints of anise and dog rose. Juicy and dynamic mouthfeel at the same time, has dissolved tannins and nice savory trail.
Castle of Cacchiano / Millennium
Beautiful nose of medicinal herbs, dark spices and carob. Mouth perfectly proportioned, with everything in the right place.
Meleto Castle
Nose with great personality, with territorial profile described by iron memories, a basket of flowers and deeper references to dark berries. Extroverted mouthfeel, with gritty softness-freshness axis and mineral traces on the close.
Dovecote of Cencio / Montelodoli
Mixes captivating red and black fruit tones with scents of anise and tamarind. Harmonious sip, with nice fresh-savory gasps.
Riecine / Vigna Gittori
Displays fine memories of ripe fruit, flowers and fine spices. Sleek mouthfeel with subtle tannins.
San Vincenti Estate
Embrace of sweet and smoky spices on a fragrant bed of fruit and hints of coffee. Resolute palate with good tannic grip.
UGA WAGES.
Valiano Farm / 6.38
Beautiful olfactory development made of memories of juicy plums and raspberries, inlays of herbs and balsamic reflexes. Richly fresh sip with calibrated tannin.
Valiano Farm / San Lazzaro
Recalls hints of wild strawberries, anise and blood orange. The taste presents soft incipit and nice fresh-sappy development.
Il Colombaio Farm
Nose defined by memories of spices, slight woody touches and fruit sides. In the mouth it is responsive and characterized by sweet tannin.
Pomona / Term Vineyard
Stretches out with memories of crisp fruit and scrub herbs, then, without delay floral notes. Centered balance on the palate, where the tannin comes through gracefully.
Silk Land/Absai
Nose punctuated by splendid memories of ripe fruit, floral gasps and balsamic reflexes. Harmonious mouthfeel, drawn on an impeccable phenolic texture.
Vallepicciola/Vineyard Lapina
Refined in suggestions of roasting tones, and almost palpable cherry and rosehips. The sip is equally attractive, played on healthy balance between the parts.
UGA CASTELNUOVO BERARDENGA
Bossi Castle
Nice nose that mixes red and berry fruit with hints of licorice and graphite. Proportionate sip, unabashedly integrated tannin.
Fonterutoli Castle / Vicoregio 36
Olfactory profile marked by memories of black cherry and dark fruit, with “peppery” hints in the background. In the mouth it is well measured, with perfect acid-tannic framework.
Fèlsina
Highly territorial, thundering in memories of red and black fruit, loam, Ginepro and a jolt of graphite. The sip oscillates between well-combed phenolic mass and fresh-sappy inlays. Durable persistence.
San Felice Tuscany A.D. 714 / La Pieve
Sharp in red fruit flavors, it then overflows with hints of lilac and sea scrub. Balance and proportion on the palate, with slight tannic astringency giving it more character.
Tolaini / Vigna Montebello Sette
Aromatic opening worthy of note, it is intense, balsamic and well varied. The endowment of freshness denotes vitality, along with well-calibrated tannin.
2023
UGA ST. CASCIANO
Cigliano di Sopra
Notes of raspberry and hints of dark berries fill the olfactory landscape. The mouth is taut, savory, with a vertical finish.
UGA GREVE
Querceto Castle / La Corte
Beautiful nose of sour cherries and plums, tarragon, tobacco and a pleasant spicy note. Harmonious sip with well-crafted tannic expression.
UGA SAN DONATO IN POGGIO
Antinori / Badia a Passignano
Aristocratic profile, with tinges of herbs, gentian, violet pastilles and unfailing fruity touch. Absolutely responsive sip, enhanced by tannin well dissolved in structure.
The Poggiolino / The Balze
Nose lit on sensations of red and black fruit, Rose petals and bay leaves. Proportionate sip, harmonious closure.
Poggio al Sole / Casasilia
Firm in aromas of fruit, fine spices and violets. Excellent tannin management in the mouth, with fresh-sappy finish.
UGA PANZANO
Grace’s Mill / The Margone
The nose envelops memories of blackberries, Ginepro berry cherries and balsamic resin. In the mouth it has “sweet” attack, giving a well extracted tannin.
UGA CASTELLINA
Brancaia
Wonderful balsamic whiffs anticipate scents of licorice and fleshy fruit. In the mouth, it has savory tannin and acid tinges. Lingering.
Zingarelli Family / Tenuta Fizzano Il Crocino
Refined in the olfactory baggage of ripe plum and blackberry notes, rosemary and bright balsamicity. In the mouth it is fine, with aristocratic tannicity and savory flicker in the tail.
Setriol/Rondinellae
Snaps with juicy fruit aromas and then veers into memories of peppercorns. Responsive sip with a nice tannic grip.
Bristle / Terraces
Copious in hints of berries and carcadè. In the mouth it wastes no time in demonstrating valid freshness and resolute tannin.
UGA GAIOLE
Maurizio Alongi / Vigna Barbischio
Enchanting nose made of aromas of dark fruit, brine and graphite. Enveloping sip at the same time dictated by tapping tannicity. Long finish.
Ricasoli / Brolio Castle
The olfactory embrace is absolutely directed by regal fruity sensations, well combined with memories of Rose and jujube. Tension-rich sip with dissolved tannin.
UGA CASTELNUOVO BERARDENGA
Fèlsina / Rancia
Incredibly deep bouquet with hints of mineral, scrub herbs along with notes of wild fruits and snuff. Sorso precise in olfactory recalls, “juicy” and with calibrated tannin.
Arceno Estate / Strada al Sasso
Olfactory system characterized by spicy memories, with pure hints of ripe red fruit and reflexes of citrus and rosemary. Tannic development is precise, with mineral breath in persistence.
Arceno Estate/Campolupi
Net balsamic attack on the nose, then crisp fruit, Viole candy; then, gasps of spice. Tasty in the mouth, well-proportioned between weighted phenolic mass and measured freshness.
Villa in Sesta / Sorleone
It evokes hints of herbs, paprika and fern darts. The sip is sweet in its entirety, with well-rounded tannins.
