Chianti Montespertoli is located in the heart of picturesque Tuscany in central Italy. It is one of seven sub-denominations incorporated in the Chianti DOCG, which received its classification in 1984. Montespertoli is the newest sub-zone to be officially recognized as part of this classification (joining in 1997), as it was once part of Chianti Colli Fiorentini.
Its vineyards, of which there are around 3460 acres (1400ha), are found on the hills of Montespertoli in the province of Florence. It is separated from the famous Chianti Classico zone by a southern-reaching arm of the Colli Fiorentini area, which covers the land just to the south of Florence itself. Montespertoli – on the hills surrounding the town of the same name – is the smallest subzone within the Chianti DOCG.
This area has a special terroir that is ideal for the cultivation of vines, with a favorable climate, and excellent soils and topography. It produces a particularly ripe Sangiovese, the traditional Tuscan grape from which all Chianti is made. Rich limestone soils have proven themselves useful in the cultivation of this grape, and the region's sunny slopes benefit from a diurnal temperature variation that makes for balanced, lush wines.
As stipulated by the Chianti DOCG laws, Chianti Montespertoli wines must contain at least 70 percent Sangiovese. The remaining proportion may be a blend of other red grape varieties: the local Canaiolo and Colorino varieties are common for this, but winemakers are beginning to move toward more international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
For more information about viticulture in Chianti as a whole, please visit the Chianti region page.
