Chianti area

Tuscany has always been a land closely associated with love. Rich in history and tradition, this Italian region has seen generations fall in love with its natural beauty and the cultural charm it offers.
A very interesting area to visit during a trip to Tuscany is definitely Chianti, defined as "A Land to Love". A place to explore in depth, going in search of its features and curiosities that make this area something you feel love for from the very first glance.

The Tuscan area known as Chianti includes various municipalities located between Florence and Siena, between Arezzo and the Pisan Hills and has always been considered the "heart of Tuscany" and is often recognized for its breathtaking views, lush green forests and hilly landscape dotted with rows of well-maintained vineyards. A trip to Chianti will lead you to discover charming medieval villages scattered among the surrounding hills.

Glimpses of medieval towns and villages

Chianti is a region rich in history and culture, as evidenced by the many urban landscapes that crisscross the countryside. Medieval towns and villages line the entire territory, still preserving traces of their former glory. Prominent among them are some truly extraordinary locations that provide an ideal backdrop to the magical atmosphere of Chianti.

Florence is undoubtedly the nerve center of the region. Its thousand-year history makes it uniquely capable of offering visitors precious evidence of antiquity. Ancient palaces, impressive squares and museums rich in art are just some of the many treasures the city holds. In addition, it is surrounded by beautiful hills that offer breathtaking views.

A visit to Certaldo Alto, the birth and deathplace of Giovanni Boccaccio, is almost a must for those who want to admire the medieval beauty of Chianti. As you stroll through the narrow streets of this small village, you will reach Piazza Boccaccio, where you will find the Palazzo Pretorio, which contains a collection of works of art dating back to the 15th century, as well as features a tower formerly used as a prison.

Greve in Chianti is also unmissable for those who wish to enjoy the medieval spirit of Chianti. It is a charming village set along the Greve River, from which it got its name. The town's main square, Piazza Matteotti, with its characteristic triangular shape, housed the Medieval Slaughterhouse, where the most important folk festivals were once held. Adjacent to the square is a market dated 1551, the first documented agricultural market in Tuscany, still active today.

Near Greve is also Volpaia, a hamlet of Radda in Chianti small village formed by a few houses scattered among the Chianti hills. A magical place that still preserves intact the medieval atmosphere: the beating heart of the village is represented by the 'imposing tower of the Castle, which was built in 1237 and still guards a massive wooden gate carved with floral and geometric patterns. Volpaia is known for the unique characteristics of its Chianti, produced within the austere walls of the castle, still an important winery.

Impruneta is equally picturesque: located just outside Florence, this town is best known for the ancient volcanic formation that dominates the landscape and the many castles and buildings dating back to the Middle Ages. The heart of Impruneta is Piazza Buondelmonti, where we can find the Basilica of Santa Maria all'Impruneta. Around the square teem craft stores where you can buy precious ceramic products created by local masters following techniques handed down for generations.

Another Chianti gem is Castellina in Chianti: this ancient Tuscan village still retains today its typical architectural harmony of the medieval period. Not to be missed is a visit to the Rocca di Castellina in Chianti, a massive building that stands on the village's main square, with a 14th-century crenellated keep from the top of which a remarkable Chianti landscape can be admired. The rocca, since April 21, 2006, has been home to the Archaeological Museum of Sienese Chianti.
The museum, built using innovative technologies, presents the history of the ancient landscapes of the entire Chianti area. Also within walking distance of Castellina is the Medici Fortress designed in 1590 by Bernardo Buontalenti on the orders of Cosimo I de' Medici as a royal summer residence.

Finally, San Gimignano is considered a jewel among Italy's most famous medieval towns: the same scenario is constantly repeated here: fortified walls grandly surround 14 towers, the tallest of which is the 54-m Torre del Podestà, all of which have remained miraculously intact since medieval times. In the center of the old town is Piazza della Cisterna, characterized by an ancient well dating back to the 12th century. These evocative locations are just a few of the countless historical testimonies that the land of Chianti offers to those who decide to visit; unforgettable experiences await anyone who chooses to stop in the fascinating medieval world of Chianti.

Chianti landscapes

Chianti is one of the most fascinating territories in Tuscany, characterized by a wide range of different landscapes, ranging from the high peaks of the Apennines to the rolling hills of Chianti and the crystal clear sea of the Etruscan Coast. Wild and irresistible, this place is also famous for its fine wines, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. The lush nature and enchanting atmosphere that accompanies it are reason enough to visit these extraordinary lands.

The mountains of the Tuscan Apennines offer some of the most majestic views of Chianti. Imposing mountains such as Amiata and Montagnola stand among the highest relief landscapes in the region. Here hikers can enjoy spectacular views of the Tuscan countryside in the distance, with its ancient villages and vineyard-covered hillsides.

The rolling hills of Chianti are another attraction of the area. These undulating lands are covered with oak and pine forests and green pastures. Deep bowls carved into the rock like the famous Black Rooster goblet are a typical feature of this area. On clear days the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea can be seen in the distance. The ancient villages found in the Chianti hills still reveal the medieval charm that surrounded them in ancient times. Castles, towers and historic buildings stand out among the land covered with olive trees and vineyards.

Chianti is also famous for its fine wines produced for generations in the area: Sangiovese and Vernaccia di San Gimignano are just a few examples. The best wines produce excellence in the area, giving those who visit Chianti a unique and unforgettable food and wine experience.

Having become an important tourist attraction throughout Italy, thanks to the variety of its natural beauty, hiking enthusiasts can admire unforgettable landscapes during their walks in the Chianti hills or along the Etruscan coast. For those who like to explore the local gastronomy, "Chiantishire" offers typical products to be enjoyed in combination with the locally produced wines. Chianti is undoubtedly a wonderful place to visit and discover.

The people of Chianti

The land of Chianti offers a unique mix of different cultures that meet, mingle and create a relaxed and welcoming environment. For many of the people of Chianti, the land represents a fundamental spiritual element; for them, this place represents a deep connection to history, a bond that goes beyond geographic boundaries and reaches into the hearts of everyone in the region.

The most authentic way to get to know the people of Chianti is to attend one of the many local fairs and events. During the fairs you can enjoy folk music performances, dancing and taste the region's typical products: Chianti DOCG wine, extra virgin olive oil and many other delicacies.

In larger events there is also room for free musical concerts organized by local associations. Through the local markets, where farmers sell fruits and vegetables produced at Km0, the small grocery stores run by local families, the wineries where you can taste and buy local wine, and finally the majestic squares found in each of the medieval villages scattered throughout the region, you can get to know truly amazing, friendly and welcoming people.

From the city streets to the remote countryside, tourists will always find people ready to help them, provide information or simply show them the best of this land rich in history.

Chianti: the quintessential red wine symbol of Tuscany

Chianti is one of the best known and most popular wines in the world and also one of the oldest Italian wines. This wine has had a great impact on Italian culture and has become one of the most appreciated wines of the peninsula.

Chianti is made from grapes of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino, Trebbiano and other native varieties. The Chianti production area covers a vast area of more than 5 million hectares stretching from Florence to Grosseto. The Chianti region has a predominantly hilly terrain rich in minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium and manganese.

Vineyards grown in the region are still traditionally managed, using traditional agricultural systems such as "integrated pest management" to combat plant diseases. Its original production was limited to the Chianti region but now its production is replicated in different parts of Italy.
There are different types of Chianti: Chianti Classico DOCG, Chianti DOC and IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica). Each of these varieties has a distinct taste that is appreciated all over the world.

The excellence of Chianti wine lies in its intense yet delicate flavor, which makes it perfect to accompany the most traditional Italian meals. The bright, intense ruby red color is the hallmark of Chianti Classico DOCG, while that of DOC is lighter and tending toward rosé. The taste on the palate is fruity and enveloping, with hints of wild blackberries, dried figs and cherries under spirits. A glass of Chianti is an excellent accompaniment to a romantic dinner in the company of a loved one.

A glass of red wine brings warmth and energy to the romantic atmosphere while its fruity scents give intense aromas that fill the room with cheerfulness and well-being. This wine perfectly expresses Italian excellence and is one more reason to love this land of a thousand colors that enchants and excites anyone who has set foot there.

The perfect pairing for a romantic dinner with Chianti wine is rib-eye steak alla Fiorentina or roast in olive oil with baked potatoes flavored with sage and rosemary. These dishes go very well with the intense but delicate flavor of red wine giving the setting a warm romantic atmosphere.

Clearly, we cannot forget also the other fantastic pairings that this wine can make with less classic dishes that are nevertheless very good to enjoy together with a glass of wine such as, for example, chicken marsala with porcini mushrooms or pizza margherita; or even appetizers such as mixed cold cuts or aged cheese with homemade jams; finishing then with desserts uniquely fresh fruit to end the evening in beauty.