The Chianti

Nature and culture in the heart of Tuscany

Tuscany is and stays one of the most attractive regions of Italy. Not only many historical art-cities, such as Florence and Siena, decoy every year again millions of tourists to Tuscany. Also the great diversity of landscapes has there a big share in. The high mountains of the Apennines, the valleys as such of the Arno, rock-coasts and large beaches, the islands, the marble-quarries of Carrara and the nature territories of the Maremma are some examples.

In the centre of Tuscany, the Chianti- region is situated. This hilly area stretches away from Florence to Siena, a territory of 50 kilometres long and 30 km large. It’s the region where the ever green cypresses follow the many meandering roads. For the most parts afforested, the hilltops are decorated by villages or castles, fortified in a distant past . Beyond the vineyards and olive trees old country-houses rise to the skies.

Each of them has contributed to the noble history, but also to the eternal rivalry struggle between Florence and Siena. Tuscany, and more particular the Chianti, has a wine tradition with deep roots. Already in the eight century b.C. the Etruscans had a viniculture is this region. It isn’t so surprising that the eldest still producing wineries of the world are established in the Chianti. The chianti, as wine, has for more than 75% the sangiovese-grape, typical for this area. The symbol of Chianti, as well for the wine as for the region, is the ‘gallo nero’. According to a legend, it is a black rooster Florence owes the Supremacy in the Chianti above Siena. In the heart of this area the chianti classico is brewed. In mean time this wine got a DOCG-nomination, Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita. A protection of this quality wine made according to ancient tradition. For many wine houses it is a case of honour to produce excellent olive oil as well. Wine and olive oil are subjects of plenty still living cultural activities and traditions in this region.