Chianti Classico Collection: Embracing Sustainability in Italy’s Iconic Wine Region
Recently, the renowned Black Rooster wine-tasting event returned to Florence with a focus on environmental responsibility. On February 17th and 18th, 2025, the 32nd Chianti Classico Collection opened its doors at the historic Stazione Leopolda venue. This year’s event boasted record participation with 218 Black Rooster wineries presenting their latest vintages to press, industry professionals, and for the first time this year, offering wine enthusiasts the opportunity to purchase select labels.
The central theme for the 2025 Collection was sustainability, reflecting the region’s commitment to an environmentally conscious future. This was beautifully represented by an installation in the center of the Leopolda hall featuring live melliferous plants, symbolizing the biodiversity that characterizes the Black Rooster hills. In keeping with the ecological focus, the event infrastructure utilized recycled materials, including pressed cardboard seating in the Leopold foyer and organic cotton tote bags, while minimizing plastic and paper waste. Even the catering embraced the no-waste philosophy, with leftover food donated to the Villa Lorenzi solidarity project. The impressive numbers speak to the event’s growing significance: 790 labels available for tasting, including 194 Chianti Classico Riserva and 185 Gran Selezione wines, along with 40 preview samples of the 2024 vintage. The Collection continues to showcase the quality and diversity of this iconic wine region. This year’s event also celebrated two important milestones for Chianti Classico DOP Olive Oil – the 50th anniversary of its Consorzio and the 25th anniversary of the denomination. A dedicated tasting counter featured 35 olive oils, with seven producers present at the hall. Attendees could participate in a seminar with guided tastings dedicated to this high-quality Chianti Classico product.
As part of the Collection, the Tuscan Wine and Food Press Association (ASET) organized a convention marking 100 years since the birth of Giulio Gambelli, the great master taster. The Giulio Gambelli Award was presented to a young oenologist who most closely embodied Gambelli’s winemaking philosophy over the past year during this gathering. This year’s Collection introduced several new elements, including guided wine tours led by experts such as Fabio Ceccarelli, Riccardo Margheri, Leonardo Romanelli, and Valentino Tesi. In an exciting development for attendees, Tuesday’s opening to the public offered the chance to purchase select Chianti labels presented at the event, along with popular Black Rooster merchandise. The event continued its tradition of partnerships with prominent Italian food and wine names, including Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, Pomodoro di Pachino IGP, and Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP, among others. This celebration of Italy’s culinary heritage complemented the star of the show: the wines of Chianti Classico. Once again, the Collection proved to be a vibrant showcase of passion and excellence that defines the Chianti Classico region, bringing together producers, professionals, and enthusiasts in celebration of one of Italy’s most beloved wine territories.
A Harmony of Heritage, Viticulture, and Enduring Beauty
Beyond the sustainable practices showcased at the Collection, the Chianti Classico territory remains a mosaic of breathtaking landscapes and storied hilltop towns including Greve, Radda, and Castellina. These medieval settlements transport visitors through time with their weathered fortresses, ornate chapels, and winding cobblestone pathways. The land itself bears witness to centuries of cultural evolution, with viticultural roots dating to the 13th century when the “Lega del Chianti” formalized ties between Radda, Gaiole, and Castellina under the emblem of the Black Rooster—a symbol that officially became the hallmark of Chianti Classico wine in 2005, embodying the region’s resilient, refined, and vibrant character.
Set upon elevations ranging from 200 to 800 meters, the landscape unfolds across plateaus adorned with diverse woodlands of oak, chestnut, pine, and the iconic cypress. Nestled between its historic guardians, Florence and Siena, this territory captivated ancient Etruscans, later Romans, and witnessed fierce medieval conflicts that shaped its identity. For generations, Chianti Classico has drawn wine enthusiasts to its exceptional terroir, and today’s producers continue this tradition of welcome with unparalleled hospitality experiences. The region presents an oenophile’s dream—historic castles and monasteries housing aging wines, internationally acclaimed estates neighboring equally distinguished family operations, and cellars ranging from rustic to architecturally stunning. Producers increasingly recognize that hospitality not only generates economic benefits and diversifies revenue streams but also serves as a powerful conduit for communicating their ethos and expanding market reach. Whether novice explorers or seasoned collectors, visitors discover both legendary labels and remarkable undiscovered treasures, as wineries collaborate with tourism partners to craft immersive, authentic experiences celebrating both wine and culinary traditions.
Attending the 2025 Collection offered a cherished opportunity to engage with the dedicated vintners who continue to exemplify the essence and philosophy that makes Chianti Classico extraordinary.