The wine tasting delights of Chianti, Tuscany

Don’t rush through Tuscany just to reach Florence, you will be missing something very special. The Chianti region has become synonymous with wine, but it also has other things to offer. The region and its main city of Siena is considered by many to be the real heart of old Tuscany, and as well as the wine it is noted for really authentic rustic wholesome food.

This is a fantastic wine region to explore either independently or with organised vineyard tours, where you’ll stop at old farmhouses and traditional villages.

The “Chianti” wine has slowly evolved from its beginnings in 1837 and a recipe created by Barone Ricasoli. In essence it was a blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Malvasia. By 1932 the producers formed a consortium named “Chianti Classico”, using the black rooster (“Gallo Nero”) as its emblem. In fact, no two Chianti ever taste exactly the same due to variations in processes, but they all taste good!

Greve is considered by many as the gate into Chianti. Its square has been a market place and point of meeting for people from all over the region since the Middle Ages.

Castles, abbeys and walled villages proliferate in the surrounding landscape and exploring the beautiful countryside is a really pleasurable way to spend a holiday.

Another place that is definitely worth a visit is Radda in Chianti.  It was the headquarters of the Chianti League, as well as the base for the Florentine governor, who lived in the beautiful 15th century Palazzo del Podestà.

At the beginning of June, a “Radda nel bicchiere”, a wine tasting extravaganza, takes place where more than 20 local producers show their wines to the public.

Make sure you eat plenty of good Italian food, particularly bread, to soak up all the free samples!