With an ever-increasing number of Gran Selezione labels – either new wines or more significantly Riservas that have been ‘promoted’ – a logical assumption is that Chianti Classico’s middle category might be shrinking.
Yet in terms of total production percentages, the opposite is actually true. In 2018, the Chianti Classico consorzio reported a 64/32 split between annata and Riserva, based on a 10-year average.
In the last five years, the ratio shows a decrease in annata to 57%, while Riserva now represents 38%. Gran Selezione is holding steady at approximately 5%.
Nevertheless, given the high quality of annata wines and the focus on promoting Gran Selezione, Riserva might seem like a tougher sell – but this is not necessarily so.
According to consortium president Giovanni Manetti, the premiumisation of the denomination led by Gran Selezione has benefitted the entire gamut, especially Riserva.
‘With the increase of renown (and consequently, price), new room was created at the mid-point price range that fits Riserva perfectly,’ he asserts.
Scroll down for Michaela’s top-rated Chianti Classico Riserva from the new releases
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Michaela’s top Chianti Classico Riserva released in 2025
See all of Michaela’s tasting notes & scores from her Chianti Classico report
{}
{"wineId":"97717","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"97718","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"97719","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"97720","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"97721","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"97722","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"97723","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"97724","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"97725","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{}
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