Chianti Classico Chianti Classico seal is a black rooster (Gallo Nero in Italian) on gold. Legend has it that in 13th century Florence and Siena decided to dispute a funny horse race to end their fights for Chianti. The meeting point of two knights, who had left respectively from Florence and from Siena when the rooster sang at dawn, would be the border of their territories. Florentines got a black rooster and kept it for a few days in a box with no food. On the race day when they took the rooster out of the box he sang much earlier than dawn and the Florentine knight left before the Sienese one and met him only 20 km from Siena walls. Since then the black rooster has been the symbol of Chianti: fist of the Chianti League in 13th century and then of the Chianti Classico Consortium.

What are the differences between Chianti & Chianti Classico? Classico area production (see map next page) Chianti Classico stretches between Florence and Siena. Includes only 14 municipalities: Greve in Chianti, Castellina in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, and part of the territory of Barberino Val dElsa, San Casciano Val di Pesa and Tavernelle val di Pesa within the Province of Florence, and part of the territory of Castelnuovo Berardenga and Poggibonsi in the province of Siena. To be named "Classico" is not enough to be produced within the Chianti region. In fact Classico wine has to respect specific rules. Its blend is 80% for Sangiovese, red grape typical of this area, 20% for other grapes that can native grapes such as Canaiolo and Colorino, as well as other international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Where exactly is the Classico area?

History, history and more history…. The La Sala vineyards and land, now the property of Signora Laura Baronti, were once owned by the famous De Medici family, as far back as the 11th century. The immense beauty of the surrounding landscape, its history, combined with the industrious work ethic of the Medieval times, remains intact to this day. La Sala is a female-run company, ready to welcome, with proverbial Tuscan hospitality, to all of those who want to experience, at close hand, the production of a high quality wine.

4 remarkable wines: 1 Chianti Classico, + 1 Chianti Classico Riserva 1 Super Tuscan 1 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico

Wine Variety: 100% Sangiovese Area Grown: San Casciano Val di Pesa (Classico Area) 150mt.asl Harvest Method: By Hand with careful selection of the best grapes Maturation and Fining: 6 Months in barriques of French & American Oak, then 6 months in stainless steel tank Color: Ruby Red Nose: Elegant, complex with fruity notes Palate: Supple & well Balanced Serving Suggestions: 19C, good with red and white meats, pork, poultry and mature cheeses

Wine Variety: 100% Sangiovese Area Grown: San Casciano Val di Pesa (Classico Area) 150mt.asl Harvest Method: By Hand with careful selection of the best grapes Maturation and Fining: 14 Months in barriques of French & American Oak, then 3 months in bottle Color: Intense & deep ruby red Nose: Broad, intense and persistent with a light nuances of leather and vanilla which do not cover the fruit base Palate: Supple and elegant sustained by gentle and mature tannins Serving Suggestions: 19C, good with game & roast

Wine Variety: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese Area Grown: San Casciano Val di Pesa (Classico Area) 150mt.asl Harvest Method: By Hand with careful selection of the best grapes Maturation and Fining: 14 Months in barriques of French Oak, then 6 months in bottle Color: Deep intense & bright ruby red Nose: Intense and enveloping with a harmonious finish of friuty spiced, balsamic notes. Palate: Full and velvety, warm & persistent Serving Suggestions: 20C, good with red meat & game

Wine Variety: Trebbiano and Malvasia Area Grown: San Casciano Val di Pesa (Classico Area) 150mt.asl Harvest Method: By Hand with careful selection of the best grapes Maturation and Fining: Small oak barrels for 5 years Color: Amber Yellow Nose: Long and intense with undertones of dried fruit and spice Palate: Full, harmonious, aromatic Serving Suggestions: Serve at temperature of 18°. Drink on its own or with Cantucci, aka Tuscan cookies. LA SALA Vin Santo di Chianti Classico

Cantina