Chianti wine was incredibly popular especially in the years from 1870 to 1900, which led to the shabby copies from other districts. As long as the wine was poured in the classic fiasco bottle, it could pass as Chianti. In 1924 a group of wine producers from central Chianti formed a consortium, which took its name from the Lega de Chianti’s symbol – a black rooster.
In 1213, the province of Siena built this unique castle on the remains of a Lombard settlement from the 8th century to function as an outpost to guard against the Florentines, who often invaded Sienese territory.
centre of Siena is quite indescribable. Once you are through the old city gates you are met everywhere by reminders of times when neither electricity nor industry was available to the local inhabitants. Piazza del Campo with its town hall, the cathedral, Basilica di San Domenico, La Torre del Mangia and above all the streets and houses make an unforgettable impression on visitors.
Castellina in Chianti is a charismatic town nestling in the hills between Florence and Siena. The town is in the middle of Chianti, which is well known for the production of its famous red wine.
Florence is the capital of Tuscany and has been a cultural centre since the early Middle Ages. If you travel to Tuscany, you really should pay Florence a visit at some point: Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery, the churches Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce, Palazzo Pitti and its exhibitions, the cathedral with Brunelleschi’s vault and Giotto’s bell tower...
Volterra really should be mentioned alongside Florence, Siena, Lucca, San Gimignano and Pisa, because of its beautiful medieval and Renaissance heritage. This delightful town, with its winding network of streets and walkways, lies high in the hills providing magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
Many people believe there is a romantic and magical aura surrounding Greve in Chianti. This small town owes its reputation mainly to the fact that it is right in the middle of Chianti Classico and is one of the main producers of wine in the region.
At the top of a forest covered peak in Tuscany the monastery Monte Oliveto Maggiore stands in solitary majesty. You get here by driving up the winding country road before arriving at the impressive building complex. The monastery was built at the start of the 14th century when 3 Sienese noblemen and the holy Bernado Tolomei settled in this rugged place to pray and work.
