Your Tuscany: Holiday Itineraries
in the Heart of Chianti Wine Country
Whether you choose to rent a villa
or a farmhouse in Chianti or in another enchanting
corner of Tuscany, either way you’ll be just a short distance
from some of the choicest vineyards, breathtaking vistas and charming
villages in all of Italy. Drive leisurely along the Chiantigiana,
the legendary road that winds through the rolling hills of the Chianti
region, and follow in the footsteps of Machiavelli, Michelangelo and
the Etruscans and Romans that preceded them. Steeped in colorful history
and even more colorful cuisine, the beauty of the Chianti region beckons
during all four seasons.
Castellina in Chianti
The
tiny village of Castellina dates back to ancient Etruscan civilization.
It was an important stop on the road that connected the ports of the
Adriatic to the powerful cities of Volterra, Chiusi and Fiesole, located
in the hills above modern-day Florence. Castellina has uncovered a wealth
of archaeological treasures, including the epic 53-meter burial vault
of Mt.Calvario, located outside of the city walls along the road to
Florence. Bronze weapons, ornaments, Corinthian vases and other finds
are on display in the foyer of Rocca Comunale, the current-day city
hall which was once a medieval castle. The 16th-century church of San
Salvatore was rebuilt after extensive damages during World War II and
contains a beautiful fresco of the Madonna attributed to Bicci di Lorenzo
(1373-1452) and the relics of its patron saint, San Fausto. The historical
Palazzo Ugolini and Palazzo Biancardi are both located in the historical
center, the latter bearing the Medici coat of arms, having hosted Pope
Leo X, the son of Lorenzo il Magnifico, in 1513.
Panzano in Chianti
Panzano is home to the shop of Dario Cecchini, the
“poet/butcher” who brought the village into the Slow Food
spotlight when he organized a funeral for the bistecca alla fiorentina
in 2000 during the height of the bans on European beef. The bistecca
has since returned in full force, but this charming town has more to
offer than just meat! The village takes its name from the Romans, but
archeological evidence points farther back to the Etruscans. The town
castle marks the halfway point between Florence and Siena; Panzano has
been divided between the two feuding cities for many centuries. The
castle’s courtyard and surroundings are open to visitors. The
beautiful church of Santa Maria Assunta beside the castle contains a
stunning Ghirlandaio fresco. Visit Panzano on a Sunday to shop the weekly
morning market, where you can buy everything from produce to ceramics
to clothing. The third weekend in September brings the “Vino al
Vino” Festival in the main piazza of Panzano, celebrating the
excellent wine and food of the area with music and festivities.
Greve in Chianti
The most visited of the Chianti hamlets, Greve in Chianti has hosted
British Prime Minister Tony Blair, lending it the nickname Chiantishire.
This charming town became the epicenter of the Greve valley after
the unification of Italy in 1862, a considerable accomplishment considering
that the town was burned to the ground by the Duke of Lucca in 1325!
The church of Santa Croce houses a collection of paintings by the
school of Fra Angelico and a statue of explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano
presides over the main piazza. Greve in Chianti hosts the largest
of the wine festivals, or sagre, each September, and a weekly market
every Saturday morning livens the town square and brings out the local
colors. The tourist information office with maps detailing the myriad
of local wineries is located on the Chiantigiana road right in Greve,
as is a large consortium center, where you can sample hundreds of
different wines all under one roof.
Chianti Classico and the Gallo Nero Label
A consortium for the protection and regulation of the Chianti Classico
wine was founded in 1924, adopting the noble black rooster (gallo
nero) as its symbol. This symbol was used by the centuries-old league
(Lega del Chianti) and the town council of Castellina.
The Chianti region was granted D.O.C. status in 1967, meaning that
its product was of a Controlled Origin, and in 1974 it was further
awarded D.O.C.G. – controlled and guaranteed quality. The precise
areas of Chianti Classico production are Radda, Castellina, Gaiole
and several neighboring towns. Chianti Classico wine is made up of
a very specific quantity and quality of Sangiovese, white Trebbiano,
Malvasia and Canaiolo grapes.
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