Chianti Villagi di Toscana

GETTING THERE

The Chianti region is located fairly centrally in Tuscany and is an easy day trip from Cortona, Florence, Siena, or most any part of the provincia. There are breathtaking views from the winding roads (with many sharp curves). Great for walking or biking tours.

BACKGROUND
Long known as one of the principal wine regions of Italy (in fact, defined as the first such zone in the world by a decree of the Grand Duke Cosimo III de'Medici in 1716) and long connected with the familiar rounded-bottom glass flasks bound in straw. Barone Bettino Ricasoli of Castello Brolio created the formula in the mid-1800s for the Chianti vintage in which the majority of the grapes are Sangiovese with Canaiolo, Trebbiano, and Malvasia to create a lighter wine; a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon is sometimes included. Bottles with the "gallo nero" or "black rooster" are from the central Chianti Classico vineyards.

The 1984 law, which upgraded Chianti to DOCG, required 75-90% Sangiovese, 5-10% Canaiolo, and 2-5% of Trebbiano and Malvasia. Italian vintners are now also producing "Super Tuscans"; wines solely Sangiovese or blends of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. If possible, visit during Wine Day (last weekend in May; annually since 1998) when most cellars are open for tastings.

Be sure to tour at least one of the routes on the "Strada dei Castelli" - Road of Castles.

ADDRESS & PHONE CODES
Gaiole in Chianti
Postal code: 53013 (SI)
Phone prefix: +39 (0577)

POSTAGE To UK/Cont. To US
Postcard/Letter 0.60 Euro 0.85 Euro