The winemakers of Chianti Classico want a special birthday present: They are bidding for UNESCO recognition as a World Heritage Site.

This fall  the Chianti region in Tuscany celebrates 300 years of existence. Because exactly 300 years ago the Ducal decree established the boundaries for Chianti Classico – the region which is now world famous for wine.

In order to get the UNESCO recognition the wine producers of Chianti must prove that Chianti’s landscape is of “outstanding universal value”. We at ByItaly think, this shouldn’t be too hard considering the beauty of this region and the wine which is known all over the world.

If Chianti gets approved by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it would place the Chianti region on the same level as Piedmont, Burgundy and Champagne – protected wine-growing regions which are all listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their long winemaking traditions.

Bottles produced in the Chianti Classico region are identifiable by the group’s logo, a black rooster. To qualify for the designation, Chianti Classico must be produced with a minimum ratio of 80 percent Sangiovese. The remaining 20 percent can be a blend of native grapes like Canaiolo, Colorino and international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

The 40th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee takes place in Istanbul October 24-26.

But winemakers of Chianti Classico will be up against another Italian wine-growing region which has long been hoping for UNESCO recognition. The Prosecco-producing region of Valdobbiadene-Conegliano was submitted as an application in 2010 and remains on the ‘tentative’ list.

Italy has more UNESCO world heritage sites, at 51, than any other country.

We wish Italy BUONA FORTUNA to add at least one more to the list !

#italicious