Chianti Classico returns to New York: 30 Tuscan wineries to showcase a century of wine tradition

On 27 April, American professionals and media will be able to discover the evolution of one of Italy’s most emblematic denominations, now organised into Additional Geographic Units

The Chianti Classico Consortium is returning to New York with an event that goes beyond simple tasting. On 27 April, the restaurant Ai Fiori in Midtown Manhattan will host a day designed to reveal the complexity of a century-old denomination that has managed to reinvent itself without losing its essence.

More than 30 producers from Tuscany will present their wines to industry professionals, sommeliers, importers, and media in an occasion that combines walk-around tasting with specialist masterclasses. The objective: to show that Chianti Classico is much more than the wine with the Gallo Nero label that so many know.

New York, a strategic showcase

The choice of New York is no accident. The United States represents one of the most important markets for Italian wine, and the city is the epicentre where business decisions are made, trends are generated, and specialist media set the agenda.

«New York remains one of the most important and influential markets for Chianti Classico,» explains Giovanni Manetti, president of the Chianti Classico Consortium. «It’s a city where trade, media, and consumers play a key role in the conversation about Italian wine. Bringing our producers here allows us to connect directly with that audience and communicate the depth, quality, and continuous evolution of the denomination.»

For Manetti, this type of event forms part of the Consortium’s core mission: «Supporting our members through training, promotion, and a clear strategy for the entire denomination is fundamental to our work, and this event reflects that commitment.»

The UGAs: Chianti Classico’s new geography

One of the most notable innovations that attendees will be able to explore is the recent introduction of UGAs (Additional Geographic Units), a classification that subdivides the Chianti Classico territory according to specific characteristics of soil, microclimate, and winemaking tradition.

This territorial segmentation allows producers to express the identity of their parcels with greater precision, communicating to consumers not only the general denomination, but also the specific geographical origin within the Gallo Nero zone. It’s an evolution that brings Chianti Classico closer to the model of Burgundian «crus» or other European regions with a strong emphasis on terroir.

The participating wineries represent the full range of these geographical units, offering a comprehensive view of the varied soils, microclimates, and winemaking approaches that define this historic denomination.

What can be tasted

The event will include a walk-around tasting where attendees can try directly with the producers the latest vintages of:

Chianti Classico Annata: the base category, representing the freshest and most accessible expression of the denomination Chianti Classico Riserva: wines with greater ageing and structure, produced in vintages of particular quality Chianti Classico Gran Selezione: the pinnacle of the pyramid, reserved for wines sourced exclusively from the winery’s own vineyards

Additionally, the tasting will incorporate Vin Santo, the traditional Tuscan passito wine, and Chianti Classico DOP olive oil, both paired with Tuscan-inspired appetisers that will contextualise the products within their original gastronomic culture.

Masterclasses for professionals

Alongside the walk-around tasting, the programme includes a series of masterclasses aimed specifically at industry professionals and media. These sessions will offer detailed perspectives, strategic insights, and practical tools relevant to the American market.

The educational format seeks to go beyond the simple «I like it or I don’t,» delving into technical, commercial, and communication aspects that help professionals better understand the denomination and convey its value to end consumers.

A century protecting the Gallo Nero

Founded in 1924, the Chianti Classico Consortium is one of Italy’s oldest and most influential wine institutions. For a century, its mission has been to protect, promote, and enhance the identity of wines bearing the seal of the Gallo Nero (black rooster), the historic symbol that distinguishes authentic wines from the area.

Today, the Consortium represents nearly 500 producers committed to rigorous production standards, environmental protection of the territory, and preservation of the cultural heritage associated with this wine region situated between Florence and Siena.

In an increasingly competitive global market, where new emerging regions challenge the primacy of traditional European denominations, events like the one in New York are essential to keep alive the connection between producers and prescribers, between tradition and innovation.

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Practical information:

Venue: Ai Fiori, 400 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018
Date: Monday, 27 April 2026
Time: 12:00 to 16:00
Format: Walk-around tasting + masterclasses
Audience: Industry professionals and media