Chianti is a region of Tuscany and extends across the provinces of Firenze and Siena. Of course to many it is known for its Chianti wines. We have stayed in this area of Tuscany many times.
Known as the Chianti Classico area, this is an area of about 100 square miles that includes the towns of Castellina in Chianti, Gailole in Chianti, Greve in Chianti and Radda in Chianti. Chianti Classico wines are described as medium-bodied with firm tannins and medium-high to high acidity. Floral, cheery and light nutty notes are the characteristic aromas of the wines.
There are eight different zones of Chianti and if you are drinking a wine that is simply labeled "Chianti" is is most likely a blend of the grapes from this zones (Colli Fiorentini - South of Florence, Chianti Rufina - north east section near Rufina, Classico - the central area between Florence and Siena, Colli Arentini - near Arezzo, Colli Senesi - south of Classico in the Siena hills and would include such wines as Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Colline Pisane west of Pisa, Montespertoli and Montalbano.
Located about 5 km from Castellina in Chianti, we had a walk about the small town and enjoyed a very good lunch in Fonterutoli
The town had its time in terms of history. In 998 Otto III, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire issued an order to transfer the possessions of the Church of Arezzo to the Siena Committee. In 1202 and 1208 peace treaties giving the Chianti Region to the Republic of Firenze were signed here.
Fonterutoli
photo: mytravellinglens.com
This is a very pleasant town. We have often stayed at the very pleasant Borgo di Pietrafitta which is about 4 km from Castellina in Chianti.
You can park at one of the parking lots either just outside the town, or behind the Coop Store and then walk down the main street of the town to enjoy the feel of this town. Stop at one of the bars, have a seat outside and enjoy the ambiance and the view. Heck, this is where we discovered the Aperol Spritz. No better brink than on a hot Tuscan day.
At one time Castellina was a boarder between the Etruscan ruled territories of Volterra, Chiusi and Fiesole. They were always at odds against each other. At one time the town was surrounded by a wall and protected with two gates. One gate towards Siena, the other gate towards Florence. Unfortunately the gates were destroyed (the Florence gate was destroyed in the 2nd World War). The wall remains in many areas, with houses built right up to and into the wall itself.
The Castle still stands and dates from the 15th Century.
The Via delle Volte is an arched passage that leads along the eastern wall of the town. Originally this walkway along the wall was open, but over time, private buildings were built up to the walls and covered the walkway.
We traveled to Panzano, located about 20 minutes from the Borgo di Pietrafitta to visit Dario Cecchini's Antica Macelleria Cecchini - the noted butcher that sings (sometimes) and puts out a spread of food for his customers and friends to drop in and enjoy. This shop is noted in one of Jamie Oliver's cookbooks. We were hoping he would be signing on the Sunday morning we were there. Well he wasn't but he prepared a pork roast for us stuff with branches of rosemary that was excellent.
I am an artisan who seeks and offers "Quality".
I select my cuts of meat with a view to offering the best to my customers and to putting my work in the finest light.
Trust in what I suggest, or at any rate, I ask that you consider my research and passion for meat outside of the usual parameters.
Letting passion guide you means looking for the best good. Join me in my choices as you see fit. Just maybe thirty years in the butcher shop have taught me a thing or two.
Buon appetito! (If the spirit moves you.)Dario Cecchini
www.dariocecchini.com
On our 2010 travels through the Chianti Region we stoped by Gaiole in Chianti, and although we were not particularly taken with this small town, just up the hill is the medievel town of Vertine which we thought was much more interesting.
In the 11th century the town was a posssession of the pwerful Ricasoli Family. At one time the Florentine Republic banned the Riscasoli family, but that only prompted the family to better protect Vertine and the Florentine troops were never able to overtime the town for some time. In the end, however, the Florentines dismantled the castle.
Vertine, because it was never the centre of wars, has survived very much intact. The castle and the walled town still stand. As you approach, the rectangular tower that functioned as a keep can be seen as you drive up the hill.
There are two gates through the walls, the north gate is intact, the south gate has the upper arch is missing.
Our Travels in Italy | Marcus Travel Journal
© Glenn Marcus
