Destination of the Week

The Chianti Region of Tuscany

What is it about Italy?

Certainly it is a country with abundant natural beauty and clearly it is the warmth and friendliness of the people that seems to create a yearning to return among most visitors. But it’s more than these.

Any traveler to the Chianti areas of Tuscany will be struck by the “texture” of the place. From the rough russet colored walls of medieval buildings there are potted flowers that dash their colors like a Jackson Pollack canvas. From the haze of morning lying in the vineyards as they weave their way over and through the rolling hills, the remains of early dew give moisture to the grapes. And from the storefront trattoria there is not just light that spills into the cobbled street of the ancient towns, but there is the flavor of the freshest foods most genuinely and proudly prepared.

This is some of the texture of Chianti. Then there is the wine.

By far the largest and best known DOC is Chianti Classico. To those who are new to wine there is often the mistaken impression that Chianti Classico is a style of wine, while actually, it is a defined place. The growers of the region combined to form a cooperative that has significantly helped this region stand apart from the others in Chianti. Chianti Classico is identified by the famous “Gallo Negro” symbol. This is the Black Rooster trademark to be found on all Chianti Classico wines. The region is roughly an oval area that begins just past the southern suburbs of Florence reaches to Siena in the south, along the A1 Autostrada to the west and follows the high mountain ridgeline in the east. You can lose your heart to this place. It easy to explore with well marked roads and filled with wonderfully charming accommodations.

Two of the other Chianti zones are very close to Florence. Chianti Colli Fiorentini and Chianti Rufina. Florence is the ideal base to take side jaunt to some of the wineries of these areas. Chianti Rufina is home to the Frescobaldi estates.

There are countless books and travel guides to Tuscany but our far and away favorite is Hugh Johnson's Tuscany and Its Wine, available here. There are detailed descriptions and information to get you started. But the best experience is once you’re there . . . ask the locals for recommendations and you’ll be amazed by what you find. A shopkeeper in Gaiole directed us to the little village of San Sano. There is La Grotta della Rana. A Chianti Classico from Badia a Coltibuono and one of the best dinner experiences in memory.

This is the texture of Chianti Classico and Tuscany.

More from The Wine Experience on Tuscany and Chianti...along with Recommendations

Visit these websites for further information and activities:

chianticlassico.com

greve-in-chianti.com

bardotti.com

Got a destination in mind? Start planning your trip here.