The scent of fermented Sangiovese can be perceived even from the threshold of La Bottega del Chianti Classico, one of the historic wine shops in Greve in Chianti, a medieval village located about 27 kilometers south of Florence along the Chiantigiana road. Here, in the trapezoidal porticoed square that constitutes the heart of the village, one can find a landmark for those who want to approach the world of Chianti Classico DOCG, the designation that identifies the wines produced in the historic area between Florence and Siena.
Greve in Chianti is considered the informal capital of Chianti Classico, and its geographical position well reflects the nature of this territory: hills between 250 and 600 meters in altitude, clay and limestone soils known as alberese and galestro, and temperature variations between day and night that favor the slow and aromatic maturation of the grapes. Sangiovese, a native Tuscan grape variety, represents at least 80% of the composition of Chianti Classico according to regulations, and in this shop, it is possible to compare very different expressions of the same grape variety, depending on the altitude and exposure of the vineyard.
The Chianti Classico and its categories
The Chianti Classico designation is divided into three qualitative levels that are useful to know before entering a wine shop like this. The Chianti Classico basic requires a minimum aging of 12 months; the Riserva rises to 24 months, of which at least 3 in the bottle; the Gran Selezione, officially introduced in 2014, requires a minimum of 30 months of aging and must come from a single vineyard or from a selection of the best estate grapes. Tasting these three levels in sequence allows one to concretely perceive how time and selection transform the same grape variety.
On the palate, a young Chianti Classico presents itself with lively tannins, marked acidity, and notes of fresh cherry and violet. The Riserva tends to show greater complexity, with nuances of tobacco, leather, and sweet spices. The Gran Selezione, in the best vintages, develops a silky tannic structure and an aromatic persistence that can exceed 30 seconds. These are not abstract details: they are differences perceptible even to an inexperienced taster, simply by paying attention.
The historic estates of the area
Just a few kilometers from Greve are some of the most recognizable wineries of Chianti Classico. Antinori in Chianti Classico, in Bargino, is a structure designed by the architecture firm Archea Associati and inaugurated in 2012: the building is literally embedded in the hill, with winding terraces that flow above the winery as if the landscape had not been interrupted. The visit includes the winemaking cellar, the barrel rooms, and a museum dedicated to the history of the Antinori family, which has been producing wine since 1385.
Other historic estates in the area include Castello di Verrazzano, linked to the family of the navigator Giovanni da Verrazzano, and Badia a Passignano, an 11th-century Benedictine abbey whose surrounding vineyards are still managed by the Antinori family. These properties offer tours with tastings, generally by reservation, with prices ranging from 25 to 60 euros per person depending on the chosen itinerary.
What to Expect from the Tasting in the Shop
Inside La Bottega del Chianti Classico, it is possible to purchase bottles from local producers and often taste wines by the glass. The selection covers the entire denomination, from artisanal producers with a few thousand bottles per year to large estates. A glass of basic Chianti Classico generally costs between 4 and 7 euros, while for a Gran Selezione, it can rise to 12-18 euros per glass. It is a way to compare multiple producers without having to visit each individual winery.
It is worth asking the staff to indicate the differences between the various Additional Geographical Units (UGA), the subzones of Chianti Classico introduced starting from the 2010 harvest and officially recognized on labels since 2014. The eleven UGAs — including Panzano, Lamole, Montefioralle, and San Casciano — correspond to microterroirs with distinct geological and climatic characteristics, and represent the denomination's attempt to accurately map the internal differences within the territory.
Practical tips for the visit
The best time to visit Greve in Chianti is the second week of September, when the Chianti Classico Review takes place, an annual event that allows you to taste wines directly from the producers in the town square. Outside of that period, the weekends in October offer the opportunity to see the ongoing grape harvest in the surrounding vineyards, a visual experience that is hard to replicate at other times of the year.
To reach Greve from Florence without a car, there is a SITA bus service that connects Santa Maria Novella station to the village in about 50 minutes. If you plan to visit multiple wineries in the same day, it is advisable to book in advance and designate a non-tasting driver in the group, as the hilly roads in the area are narrow and winding. Avoid planning visits to wineries on Mondays, a day when many facilities remain closed for their weekly rest.