Following World War II, Chianti wine experienced a surge in popularity in the United States, driven by Italian immigration and the growing interest in Italian products. Chianti swiftly became an emblem of the Italian dolce vita, cementing its place in pop culture through Hollywood films and media references. However, its success was not without challenges. The proliferation of wines using the Chianti name without adhering to traditional standards or originating from the original region threatened to dilute its prestige. To protect the authenticity and quality of true Chianti, a group of winemakers from the region decided to take action in 1924. Thus, the "Consorzio per la Difesa del Vino Tipico del Chianti" was born, an organisation dedicated to safeguarding Chianti's reputation against the lack of regulation and the risk of counterfeits. One of the names respected for their dedication to producing wines that embody the rich history and excellence of Chianti has undoubtedly been Ormanni. A historic estate with origins dating back to 1818, which has, to this day, strived for the excellence and authenticity of the terroir.
Currently, under modern and direct management, their entry-level wine, Ormanni Chianti, comes from vineyards located in Poggibonsi, in Siena (Tuscany). A blend of sangiovese with a small addition of merlot, cultivated organically and hand-harvested with selection in the vineyard itself. In the winery, the selected, destemmed, and crushed grapes undergo fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. Afterwards, the wine ages for approximately 10-12 months in concrete tanks.
Savoury and versatile, Ormanni Chianti faithfully reflects the excellence and terroir of this Tuscan region. A Chianti that, much like the "Consorzio per la Difesa del Vino Tipico del Chianti" in its time, keeps the connection between wine history and its presence in global culture alive.