Chianti means red wine, but not only that. It also means an enchanting landscape full of vineyards and red roofs that shine in the Tuscan sun. No wonder the English were so taken with the region that they named it Chiantishire.
If you are a wine lover, be sure to visit Castello di Nipozano which has been, for generations, the home of Frescobaldis, famous winemakers. They produce Rufina, a very luxurious wine.
However, if you want to enjoy wine, you don’t have to buy the most expensive brand. The local trattorias offer very good wines at good prices.
All Chianti wines are made from Sangiovese and Chianti Classico grapes. Since 2005, all Chianti Classico wines have had a black rooster on their label, a symbol of Chianti producers since the 17th century and, today, synonymous with quality wine.
If you drive from Florence to Siena along the Chiantigiana road, you can admire the most beautiful places in the region: picturesque villages and fairy-tale hills.
The charming town of Greve Chianti celebrates the annual wine festival that takes place on the second Sunday in September. Don’t forget to plan your visit accordingly so you don’t miss out on this spectacular event. You can buy wine absolutely everywhere, but the best place to enjoy it is Piazza Matteotti. Have a glass of red wine, a piece of crostini and just watch people walk by and shop.
The best way to explore Chianti is on foot, especially if you follow the famous ecological path, or ecopassaggio, which takes you from San Gusmè through the hills and vineyards to Castelnuovo Berardegna. In addition, the region is full of charming farmhouses that have been converted into cozy hotels.
Chianti is one of the best places for gourmets thanks to its fresh and high quality ingredients. Venison and rabbit meat are especially popular. Don’t forget to try the bean soup and other simple traditional dishes, such as arista, roast pork stuffed with rosemary and garlic. Cheese plays an important role in Chianti gastronomy. Ricotta stuffed pasta is a heavenly dish. And remember to buy a piece of pecorino, a delicious goat cheese. Chianti also produces Tuscany’s most famous cheese, the oval Marzolino which is best eaten completely fresh or slightly ripe. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to try the cantuccini, crunchy almond cookies. Just take one, dip it in Vinsanto, sweet dessert wine, and let it melt in your mouth. it’s divine
