Chianti Colline Pisane is a subzone of one of Italy's most iconic DOCG titles, Chianti. While it is far from being the most famous of the Chianti areas, Colline Pisane is one of the most distinctive, covering a set of hills that are lower and closer to the sea than most of the region's vineyard areas. Chianti Colline Pisane wines tend to be lighter and softer than most, displaying a ruby-red color, violet aromas and a dry, fruity and slightly tannic nature when young.
As may be inferred by the name, Colline Pisane covers an area to the southwest of Pisa, near the Mediterranean coast. This is a little way from the other Chianti subzones, which all lie inland, with the separate Chianti Classico DOCG at their heart. But Colline Pisane shares the same stipulations: wines must be made predominantly from Sangiovese with smaller amounts of Canaiolo and Colorino, and Bordeaux duo Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The subzone shares its land with the recently recognized San Torpe DOC, which covers the Vermentino-based white wines of the area, as well as rosé.
Colline Pisane's situation near the sea gives it a milder climate than the areas inland, tempered by sea breezes. Spring frosts are rare, and there is less rainfall here than in central Tuscany. The limestone-based clay and shale soils provide an excellent terroir as they are well enough drained to encourage deep root growth, but also store enough water to keep vines in good health throughout the growing season.
Even though this zone does not have its own DOCG, it is allowed to add its name to the label or may simply refer to itself as Chianti.
