Here’s everything you need to know about the very famous Chianti region
n the heart of Tuscany, theIre is an area whose beauty would even leave even a writer or poet speechless. We’re talking about the Chianti region, whose name will remind most people of the prestigious wine produced in the local area. However, the special nature of this area goes further than this and its identity can be found among green hills studded by a charming and evocative picture created by the colours and shapes of vineyards, olive trees, roads and brooms. It is therefore an unmissable destination that is a must when you’re planning your routes based on the delights of Tuscany.
Where is the Chianti region?
As mentioned in the introduction, the Chianti area is located in the heart of Tuscany. In fact, it is in the centre of the region, between Florence, Siena and Arezzo, to name the most famous cities that enclose its borders. The Chianti area extends for almost twenty kilometres among the heights of the hills, with Monte San Michele as its highest point. The rivers that run along the veins of this area and therefore outline the gentle valleys are the Pesa, Greve, Ombrone, Staggia and Arbia.
Which area of Tuscany takes the name of Chianti Classico?
What difference is there between the Chianti area and the Chianti Classico area? To be able to answer this question we need to take a step back and find out first of all why this area was given its name. By travelling along the historic footprints of this area we discover the existence of the ancient Florentine military league of Chianti, which had the famous black rooster as its symbol but of which only three municipalities in the area were part: Gaiole, Radda and Castellina.
Over time the name “Chianti” was also extended to the production of wines from other area of the region such as the Florentine municipalities of San Casciano and Tavernelle in Val di Pesa, Greve and Barberino in Val d’Elsa and the Sienese ones of Castelnuovo Berardenga and Poggibonsi. But that’s not all: the wines produced in these areas were the only ones with the honour of being called “Chianti Classico” and therefore wearing the emblem of the ancient league, the Black Rooster on the product label.
Guide and itineraries for the Chianti area
How to plan a trip in the Chianti hills? There are different options according to how much time you have. The best thing would obviously be to dedicate various days to visiting this area. However, if your intention is that of dedicating a day trip to this area during your stay in Tuscany, here are some of the locations that shouldn’t be missing from your itinerary.
Make sure it is a tour full of places but that we strongly recommend trying. The unforgettable locations immersed in the Chianti hills include Badia, Passignano, Montefioralle, Greve, Panzano and Castellina. After travelling through these high areas you can spend some time in the flatter areas of Staggia and Monteriggioni.
If, instead, you manage to get a whole weekend or, even better, a week to spend in this Tuscan paradise, then there are plenty more opportunities. Not only can you think of visiting the locations listed above at a slower pace and also stop off and savour the specialities of the place together with some excellent wine, but you could combine your travel experience with new and exciting activities such as the tours offered by Chiantilive. From weekends on a mountain bike discovering vineyards, olive groves, farms and castles to the Chianti Safari tour which, on board a Jeep 4x4 will let you start from the rural market of Radda and dive into paths and dirt roads for an unforgettable adventure. Look at our range of tours and itineraries and discover straight away which is the right one for you!