Chianti changes strategy: out with “Gran Selezione”, in with Rosé DOCG

The Chianti Wine Consortium, Tuscany’s largest with approximately 800,000 hectoliters produced, is changing strategy to respond to the difficulties of recent years, marked by falling prices and sales. The new course focuses on rosé, with the introduction of the “Chianti Rosé” category into the production regulations, and definitively abandons the idea of “Gran Selezione“, the source of the bitter dispute started in 2019 with the Chianti Classico Consortium.

The new direction, formalized in the petition submitted by the Consortium last July, recently received the green light from the Tuscany Region. As early as 2022, the Region had expressed a negative opinion on the proposal to include “Gran Selezione” in the Chianti DOCG regulations. In the penultimate session of the legislature, the outgoing Council instead approved the introduction of the “Chianti Rosé” category, which can also be applied to sub-zones. The ampelographic base requires a minimum percentage of 50% Sangiovese, with the possibility of adding authorized red and/or white grape varieties from Tuscany. Yields, alcohol content, and release dates have also been defined. Simultaneously, the Region took note of the withdrawal of “Gran Selezione”, considered by many to be a battle without prospects. Chianti thus chooses to differentiate its offering in a direction more aligned with new consumer tastes.

The amendment to the regulations, already published in the Official Bulletin of the Tuscany Region on September 17, was submitted to the regional wine industry for review, which voted in favor. Following regional approval, the text now moves to the Ministry of Agriculture for final clearance. If everything proceeds according to schedule, Chianti Rosé could be produced starting from the 2025 harvest. The new rosé will be made from grapes originating from vineyards registered as Chianti DOCG and can be labeled as such, with the relative guarantee seal. Until now, rosés from local wineries were marketed as IGT Toscana. The stricter production rules will ensure a higher quality level and greater recognition.