Tuscany, Italy

Chianti, a region of land that is lined with both vineyards and terraces of olive trees in Italy located  within the province of Tuscany. Tourists come to learn about the historic “Greats”, visit sights, relax and many choose to stay, pursuing a new chapter in their life.  The small villages majestically stationed on the hills have been a witness of time throughout the centuries. Sprawling towns in the valley are embraced by the hills, as a mothers loving arms protect her children. Rolling hills display horticultural art that have inspired many Artists, Sculptors, Chefs, Farmers, Philosophers, Poets, and Writers .

Chianti is home to the Classical Chianti Wine, which is often pared with delectable  Italian Cuisine.  The farmers work the hills all year long, in order to produce optimal Olive Oil and Wine for those who come to appreciate their labors.

Look for the pink “D.O.C”  tape around the top of wine bottles to ensure the quality of wine that is being consumed. For true Chianti wine, the farmers pride themselves on the “Black Rooster” ( Gallo Nero) also located on the pink “D.O.C” tape around the neck of the bottle.

Sangiovese grapes used for making Chianti!

The Chianti region extends from Florence down to Siena.  The first definition of a wine-area called Chianti was made in 1716 and it described the area near the villages of Gaiole in Chianti, Castellina in Chianti and Radda in Chianti.

However, in 1932 the Chianti area was completely re-drawn. The new Chianti was a very big area divided in seven sub-areas: Classico, Colli Aretini, Colli Fiorentini, Colline Pisane, Colli Senesi, Montalbano and Rùfina.These would be the new villages included in the new Chianti Classico area The latest was the village of Greve changing its name to Greve in Chianti in 1972. I can highly recommend any of these villages as an ideal part of anyones Tuscan tour.

FYI:   For a wine to retain the name of Chianti, it must be produced with at least 80% sangiovese grapes.

Chianti wine may have a picture of a black rooster (known in Italian as a gallo nero) on the neck of the bottle, which indicates that the producer of the wine is a member of the “Gallo Nero” Consortium; an association of producers of the Classico sub-area sharing marketing costs. It’s only been since 2005 the black rooster is the emblem of the Chianti Classico producers association.

Aged Chianti (38 months instead of 4-7), may be labelled as Riserva. Chianti that meets more stringent requirements (lower yield, higher alcohol content and dry extract) may be labelled as Chianti Superiore.

Chianti Wine List  (Presently being collected.  Check back soon!)

Wine Searcher Start here when pricing wines!
Il Borro
Verrazzano
Brunello di Montalcino
Montalcino Banfi
Ruffino Reserva Ducale or Ruffino
Rocca delle Macie
Roccaventosa
Quinta do Tedo (Portugual)
Remole Frescobaldi
Torre dei Pazzi
Nipozzano
Santa Margharitta
Vernaccia di San Gimignano