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.
Its location in the centre of Chianti makes Colle Val d’Elsa the ideal spot for those who wish to explore central Tuscany. The town is very picturesque and unbelievably tourist-free, considering it is situated just a few kilometres from the motorway which joins Siena and Florence.
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.
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.
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.
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...
