classico [KLA-sih-koh]
1. Italian for “classic.” 2. An area within a larger geographic region defined by the Italian classification system (DOC); also the wines from that area. Such a terrritory is usually the oldest in terms of grape cultivation and wine production and often has the best wines within the larger region. The famous Chianti Classico DOCG, located within the larger Chianti DOCG, is such an area.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.