The first of a three-part journey into Chianti Classico. in this episode we look at the past, present and future of the denominazione with our special guest, Giovanni Manetti, Chariman of the Chianti Classico Consorzio and proprietor of the venerated Fontodi estate in Panzano. This is Manetti’s second term as the Chairman , where he has been a driving force of innovation and evolution, helping to re-establish Chianti Classico as one of Italy’s, and the world’s, leading quality wine-producing regions. The creation of the Gran Selezione category at the top of the quality pyramid, as well the introduction of UGAs (Unità Geografiche Aggiuntivi), added geographic mentions within the greater Chianti Classico territory, are just two of the invigorating projects which Manetti has championed and pushed through.

The Thieves deliver the latest news regarding Gran Selezione regulations and the new UGAs, but focus first on the history of the region from Etruscan settlements in the 8th century BC, to the legend of the gallo nero, the mezzadria sharecropping system that shaped Chianti Classico as we know it today, Barone Ricasoli's 19th century 'recipe' for Chianti, the 1970s crisis (fiasco?), and the renaissance of quality wine. There is much to unpack in this multi-faceted region, so important and recognizable to wine lovers around the world.

A happy 307th birthday to Chianti Classico, an anniversary for which we give thanks to the Grand Duke of Tuscany and patron to the arts, Cosimo dei' Medici III, who famously demarcated the wine region of Chianti in 1716 and created the first legal appellation of origin for wine in the world. Tuscan aficionados won't want to miss this episode that reveals how Chianti Classico's past has set the stage for its modern renaissance.

This episode has been produced in partnership with the Chianti Classico Consorzio and financed according to EU regulation 1308/2013.