The Route du Chianti, immersion in Tuscany wine

If Tuscany makes you think about Florence, Siena and Pisa, it is also a gastronomic reference. Indeed, the region produces the famous Chianti, world renowned wine. So go to discover the Tuscan vineyards, rich in history and wonders.

Tuscany It makes you dream, doesn't it? Unbelievable Heritage Region, it is part of to do list many travellers, come to discover Florence , Pisa or Siena . Its perched villages, witnesses of the medieval past, also attract lovers of strolling.

But when you hear about Tuscany, you also think of the Chianti, the most famous of Italian wines. However, many people do not know that this pillar of the dolce vita is not unique. Indeed, there is not only one Chianti but many, all as tasty as one another.

Protected by the different appellations (DOP, DOC, IGP, etc.), we officially identify about 20 different wines. A fascinating diversity, which we invite you to discover the time of a stay. On the way to the Chianti, for a trip to the heart of the Tuscan vineyards!

Greve in Chianti, cradle of Chianti classico

This trip starts in Florence, the main place of the region. However, no time to deal with the city of Medici. A loaded program awaits us 27 km south of the city. After about forty minutes, you are in the middle of the vineyards where the Chianti classico is produced. Behind this Denomination of Controlled Origin and Guarantee, there is a small area: the Chianti. It is here, and since the 12th century, that wine is produced.

Its composition also stands out from the rest, since the Chianti classico uses much less burial The others. Finally, its bottle and packaging (shared with the DOP Chianti), in the form of a bonbon and covered with the fiasco (small wicker basket), allow to recognize it.

And to discover all the secrets of this micro-region and its drink, direction Greve in Chianti, a beautiful village surrounded by vineyards. Its historic centre looks exactly like the image of Tuscany. The colourful houses nestled in the heart of picturesque little streets that all lead to the same place: the village square.

A particular village, which maintains a unique connection to wine. Indeed, Grevigiani breathe Chianti, work Chianti and drink Chianti.

To realize this, head to the Enoteca Falorni, the historic church of Greve in Chianti. After discovering the vineyard, the cellar and consequently the family know-how, the time of the tasting arrived. In the palate, it is a floral taste, aromas of violet, then red fruits that stimulate your taste buds.

A taste due to the quality of the grapes, which is perfected by the Falorni family.

If a passage to the oenoteca has made it possible to measure the attachment of the premises for wine, its explanation remains vague in our eyes. To remedy this, the Falorni invite you to continue the visit to the Museo del Vino. You will discover the whole history of the province, strongly linked to local wine. We will also tell you how the popes participated in popularizing the Chianti classico throughout the world, to the point of making a reference to it.

You will also discover, going back centuries, how crop and production methods have evolved, while preserving the traditional and family side that makes Chianti a unique wine.

Finally, to finish the day, continue to sink into the vineyards to discover another jewel of Greve in Chianti: the Castello di Verrazzano. He holds his name from the great local family, who has greatly participated in the region's fame and wine. You will discover a sublime home, lost in the heart of an idyllic setting, as only Italy offers.

It is also an opportunity to go on a small history of France, since Giovanni da Verrazzano, famous explorer, served the crown of France. François I had chosen the toscan to go to the discovery of America, in the hope of finding a way to Asia. A mission that will end with a failure, so much that the King of France chose to replace Giovanni with another explorer: Jacques Cartier .

San Gimignano and its precious Vernaccia

After a good night's sleep, it's time to leave on the Tuscan roads to discover a new Chianti. Direction the province of Siena and the charming village San Gimignano . Known for its fortifications and the beauty of its streets, San Gimignano offers itself as a perfect condensed of what Tuscany represents.

First take the time to walk, to admire the medieval heritage of the village. From the ramparts to Duomo passing through the narrow and steep streets, San Gimignano will plunge you centuries back, when Italy was only a peninsula.

But summarizing San Gimignano to a medieval city is a serious mistake. Of course, the city has made its reputation on this area, but it is also a real wine terroir. And yes, San Gimignano produces (very good) wine.

You will have guessed it when you arrive, then at the top, during your visit to the ramparts, since the village dominates the valley, filled with vineyards. A particular vineyard, as it stops at the limits of the commune. Therefore, the Vernaccia di San Gimignano is one of the most rare Chiantis...

...but not only! The Vernaccia offers you a big surprise. To discover it, head to one of the many restaurants in the city. Enjoy the frame to take the aperitif, and ask for a glass of Vernaccia directly. After a few moments, a waiter comes back with your glasses. But where did the ruby red go? Would the waiter be wrong?

No! The Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a Chianti, but also a white wine! Its name comes from its grape variety, a white grape that corresponds to 90% of the composition. So you can go to the tasting of this wine, whose bitter taste is perfect for the accompaniment of antipasti .

After a consistent meal, go for a walk in the alleys of San Gimignano, to finish your discovery of the place. And before leaving for your accommodation, go through Piazza della Cisternia to taste one of the other specialities of the village, the ice creams. Problem, on the square, two glaciers have a war without mercy: the gelateria Dondoli and the gelateria dell’Olmo.

Another problem is that the opinions on the Internet will not help you decide, since the two glaciers have already been elected "Best Glacier of the World"! So we're gonna have to try both to start. Terrible, isn't it?

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, king of distinctions

After a good awakening in a farmhouse in San Gimignano, and a good breakfast on the terrace in front of the vineyards and ramparts, it is time to return to the road. Two steps are on the agenda today and not the least. Direction Siena, located 41 kilometers south.

This morning will be pure tourism, to take a little break with wine. In addition, spending in the province of Siena without going to discover the chief town would be a heresy. When you arrive, the colourful streets, churches and wash them are enough to marvel. The medieval city has this little thing, which plunges all its visitors into an atmosphere of ancient times.

After a little while of strolling, it's time to visit. Take the road to Piazza del Duomo, to admire the splendid Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, famous for its mix of Tuscan Romanesque style and classical Gothic. The exterior, decorated with white, green and red marble gives the tone. Everything is grand.

The interior, even more exceptional, gives each visitor the feeling of being tiny. Its nave, 89 metres high, is a true prowess, which alone justifies this Sienese stop.

But Siena’s visit doesn’t stop there. The other wonder of the city awaits you, in the heart of the old city. Welcome to Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful places in the world. His arrangement is unique. Indeed, its inclination and rotunda shape give the impression of entering an arena. The presence of Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia accentuates this effect, thanks to their height (the tower peaks at 102 meters).

Moreover, the term arena is not so fancy, since the Piazza del Campo welcomes every year Palio , a traditional race of horses, where each contrade (the historical districts of Siena) tries to win. For the locals, this race is an event of the highest importance, worthy of a World Cup football. The place has a soul, so it is symbolic in the eyes of its inhabitants.

The bells just ringed twelve times. It is time to recover. For this, no difficulty on the horizon. Very good restaurants are spread everywhere. On the programme, a typical Tuscan meal! Finally, the opportunity to taste the Florentine meat, whose quality is exceptional.

If usually Italian meats are very fine, the florentine is thicker, close to French meats. Are you a vegetarian? No panic. Savour them pici , the Tuscan pasta par excellence. Accompanied by a pesto, where the pecorino romano leaves room for Sienese pecorino, your taste buds ask again.

However, to sublimate this lunch, wine is needed. A Chianti, of course. Which choice? On all maps, it is impossible not to find one of the province’s Chianti: the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. It is quite likely that the server will advise you to enter.

Succulent, right? It is not a surprise, however, since the wines of this DOCG are accustomed to competitions and podiums. It must be said that with its aromas of plum, the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is the perfect wine to accompany meals. What makes you want to know more. This falls well, the afternoon program is precisely for that.

After an hour's drive, the perched village of Montepulciano stands in front of you. Pittoresque and calm, the village offers a real moment of relaxation. Take the time to stroll around, at your own pace, and discover Piazza Grande or the church of San Biagio, one of the most beautiful Renaissance churches in the province.

But time is running out and it’s time to be interested again in wine. If the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is good, it is for its main vine: the Sangiovese. If you have the opportunity to find one, taste a bunch. You will find this sweet taste, close to the plum, even more present than in the wine.

Then the time of the visit comes. To do this, head to the factory of the Ercolani family, where the Montepulciano will be held under all its seams.

The visit of the factory, held by two brothers, will be exclusively underground. Because this is the specificity of the domain: everything goes underground. To keep the wine in optimal conditions, far from the rays of the sun and the Tuscan heat. All, magnified by an authentic process, where technology has only taken a limited place in the manufacturing process.

Finally, a tasting is obviously planned. What to end the day in beauty, with an exceptional view of Val d’Orcia.

Montalcino, king of Brunello

The Val d’Orcia corresponds to our next destination, where another Chianti DOCG is waiting for us. More precisely in Montalcino, which is recognized by far thanks to its imposing fortress. Moreover, the view of the top of these stunning walls offers a panorama of the local vineyard, composed only of Sangiovese. Yes, the vine used is the same as for the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Another element not to be missed is the Cistercian Abbey of Sant’Antimo, which deserves a detour. Its frame, made of cypresses, hills and olive trees, invites us to dive into Tuscany postcard. The Romanesque building is not in the rest, including sublime medieval frescoes and a beautiful apse, which allows the light to invite itself into the age of Christ.

However, if the vine used in Montalcino is similar to that of Montepulciano, the term Sangiovese will probably never be cited. Indeed, in Montalcino, we're talking about Brunello. But then, how are the wines different?

First, Brunello di Montalcino is much more recent. The first traces of the name came back only in the nineteenth century, while the Montepulciano was the favourite wine of the Tuscan kings of the seventeenth century. But the real difference is at the gustative level. Indeed, if the Montepulciano is predominantly composed of Sangiovese, we also find Canaiolo nero. On the contrary, the Brunello di Montalcino is a monocepage, where only the Sangiovese is used.

Finally, if you have time, visit one of the local domains. This allows you to compare manufacturing techniques. They will certainly be minimal, but your hosts will probably explain that the little details make the difference. Many legends will also be held on the history of Brunello, in the pure Italian romantic tradition.

Castelnuovo Berardenga, the final touch

Let time go! It is already time to conclude this road trip in Tuscan lands. The last stage will take you to Florence, to enjoy Firenze by night . However, it would be a shame not to make an ultimate stop. So stop in Castelnuovo Berardenga for a lunch break.

For this last meridian meal, please! However, honor the locality by choosing a Chianti (name). It is also an opportunity to make purchases, if you want to bring good wine to your loved ones. Private vineyards, where the price will be cheaper. It may even be that as a welcome, the producers make you taste the different ranges offered.

You can also enjoy it for a digestive walk before you get back on the road. After visiting the main square, head to the other place of interest of the town: the Torre dell’Orologio. The tower was one of the main protections of the village during the Middle Ages, in the event of an attack. An important detail, when you know the tower is intact.

It is time to take the road to Florence, where a last Tuscan night awaits you. Take the time to visit the city of lys and admire its countless beauties. At sunset, give your last aperitif to the Ponte Vecchio where, a glass of Chianti by hand, an exceptional natural show is available to you.

So finishes your Tuscan stay, on the road to Chianti, or rather Chianti. A wine linked to the history of its region, its inhabitants and its traditions.