READ THE LABEL
Take each word on the label one by one.
When you select a term from the label, you will see what can be learned from that word and what needs separate confirmation.
ETICHETTA DIDATTICA
Hypothetical label for learning purposes.Role of this term
Appellation name.
Appellations related to the hills between Florence and Siena. Chianti DOCG is a separate appellation, and Classico should not be read as just a different maturation.
To the detailed explanation →Role of this term
Traditional labeling
The Italian indication corresponding to the EU's DOP (PDO). By itself, DOCG does not indicate the permitted grape varieties or aging requirements; it must be read in combination with the appellation name.
To the detailed explanation →Role of this term
Labelling related to production requirements
Conditions such as aging are defined for each appellation. Even if both are Riserva, aging durations may differ between appellations.
To the detailed explanation →Role of this term
Vintage display
The vintage year and the display of maturation period are separate pieces of information. In this material, an imaginary harvest year is used; it does not indicate bottling year or drinking window.
To the detailed explanation →This is a study resource that extracts only the main terms and does not represent an actual product. It is not an example of a label that fulfills all legal requirements.
FIELD NOTE 01
Between Florence and Siena
The Chianti Classico area spreads across the hills between two cities. Understanding the connection between Sangiovese and this land begins with knowing the whole area and the position of towns within it.
Chianti DOCG and Chianti Classico DOCG are separate appellations. The word 'Classico' cannot be read as indicating a different maturation within the same appellation.
FIELD NOTE 02
Production type and UGA
Riserva and Gran Selezione are entries related to production requirements, while UGA conveys more detailed geographic information. Even if both appear on the same label, they represent different types of information.
There are rules for the types of wines and grape varieties eligible to use a UGA. Regulations can change, so when reading a label, you need to check the current documentation for applicable conditions.
FIELD NOTE 03
Site indication and blending.
If there are detailed locality names, you can investigate the altitude or slope of that land on a map. On the other hand, wines blending grapes from various places also involve the producer's selection.
Rather than ranking quality by place name alone, it is more useful for explaining individual wines to understand how sites are combined.
'Chianti Classico' is the appellation, and 'UGA' provides more detailed geographical information. These serve different purposes from indications of production type.
PAUSE & REFLECT
Check your understanding.
Do Chianti Classico UGA and 'Riserva' both indicate aging length?
Read the explanation ＋
UGA indicates geographical information, while Riserva pertains to production requirements such as aging. These are separate pieces of information, and their specific usage conditions are defined in the appellation regulations.
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Sources and reference materials
These are the reference materials for the main text. For details of production regulations, consult the current documents. For individual wine specifications, refer to materials for the relevant vintage.
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