The Chianti area (a 700 sq km area between the cities of Florence and Siena) has long been fought over. In the Middle Ages many battles took place in the magical Chianti land. Florence took it from Siena in the 13th century founding the League of Chianti, a political-military alliance that lasted for five centuries bringing together the three rural centres. These are; Radda, Gaiole and Castellina, all of which are the historic centres of production of Chianti Classico, whose emblem, the famous Black Rooster on a gold field was the original sign marking the League of Chianti. With the advent of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, Chianti became a real province.

A holiday in Chianti gives the opportunity to relax in landscapes of magnificent beauty. A holiday in Chianti is a holiday is one spent among medieval villages swathed vineyards. A holiday in Chianti is a peaceful holiday.

Holiday in Chianti, discovering its villages
A holiday in Chianti gives the opportunity to relax in landscapes of magnificent beauty. A holiday in Chianti is a holiday is one spent among medieval villages swathed vineyards. A holiday in Chianti is a peaceful holiday.
Piazza Matteotti in Greve is the very heart of Chianti. It is the oldest market square in the whole of the area. It is surrounded by arcades of shops selling mainly local produce. Not far from Greve is Montefioralle, a small yet charming walled medieval village set on a gentle hill with characteristic cobbled alleys. To enjoy getting lost among the rolling hills dotted with vineyards, and to create unforgettable memories of a holiday in Chianti, just follow the route to Panzano, a village of Etruscan origins surrounded by walls with a well preserved medieval castle. Other beautiful places to visit during a holiday in Chianti are the medieval villages near Siena where there are two real jewels. San Gimignano is an ancient walled town famous for its numerous medieval towers (around 50 meters high) in perfect condition built by rich families of the village. The height of each tower, symbolizing the power of each family. It is truly fascinating to walk through this village. Cisterna has a medieval square, adorned with a magnificent palace and an ancient cistern. It is in the center of the village near Cathedral Square, where stands the 11th Century Collegiate. Monteriggioni is another gem not to be missed during a holiday in Chianti. It is a small fortified village perched on a hill overlooking the beautiful landscape of the surrounding countryside. It is surrounded by an imposing and magnificent set of walls of 172 meters, interrupted by 15 massive towers (which rise several meters above the walls) and 2 doors. Rome square, surrounded by gardens and orchards, the site of the Church of the Assumption, is the heart of this beautiful village.

Shopping during a holiday in Chianti, wine and local products

The production of Chianti wine dates back to the 13th century. Chianti wine was originally made with Sangiovese grapes, but was later mixed with different types of grapes. In the 19th century Baron Ricasoli formulated the official composition of Chianti wine; today it still must consists of at least 75% Sangiovese grapes with Canaiolo black, Trebbiano and Malvasia comprising the rest. Chianti wine can have different names according to the areas where it is produced, among which are: Classico, Colli Arezzo, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Pisan Hills, Montalbano, Montespertoli, Rufina, Riserva (with a minimum aging of 2 years) and Superior. The Chianti wine consortium was born in 1927 and brings together more than 2,500 producers farming over 13,000 hectares of vineyards which produce more than 80 million litres of wine per year. The consortium controls the vineyards, grape and wine production and bottling, also overseeing the authenticity of Chianti wine. Chianti is also famous for production of other typical products of great value as olive oil and cured meats (ham, salami, bacon, finocchiona etc.) all of which are produced from the "Cinta Senese" breed of pig, reared in the wild on Chianti hills.

ByFilippo Frassinetti