Chianti
If a survey were conducted among wealthy Northern Europeans about their ideas of paradise, many will describe something strongly reminiscent of Chianti, area of vineyards and towns on the hills, stretching between Florence and Siena. Every aspect of chianti life is in perfect harmony.: the Tuscan landscape was created for this, so that painters can evoke visions of the Golden Age; nearby is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, but not close enough, so that the crowds can be troubled; and, Of course, the climate is balsamic most of the year, and even in the shackles of winter not very severe. In addition to all this, there is wine, whose brand everyone knows.
British, like other unfortunate people, who came to live in not very paradise countries, have long been aware of the charms of Chianti and since the 60s the pace of immigration has been so fast, that the region is referred to as Chiantishire. The effect of this influx of wealthy people was predictable — a sharp rise in property prices and the impoverishment of traditions in more picturesque villages.. However, it would be an exaggeration to claim, that Chianti is losing its character, like many Italian cities on the coast, the local colour has changed somewhat in some parts of the region., but the area has basically retained its identity.
Buses from Florence and Siena get to the more populous cities of Chianti, but the only practical way to explore the region is by car. You can then reach the more distant corners of the hills and stop at one of the eight hundred farms and vineyards, to try the local agricultural products. Having bought a detailed topographic map of the region, you can also go to one of the countless lakes, in the summer offering the quietest bathing in all of Tuscany. The best of the roads is the so-called Chiantigiana (N222), route from Florence to Siena crossing the most beautiful parts of Chianti.
Cities in Chianti
The heart of the area are three towns that once made up the fourteenth-century Chianti League.: GAIOLE (2 time. SITA bus from Florence, RADDA IN CHIANTI (1 time. 40 Min) and CASTELLINA IN CHIANTI (1 time. 35 Min). In Castellina and Radda (unofficial capital of Chianti) medieval splendor left the clearest traces; in turn, Gaiole has become a modern trade fair city, and the local wine-making cooperatives provide great tasting opportunities. The best goal of lovers of a good drink is GREVE (1 time. by bus from Florence), city, where there is a wine shop on every street and where the largest wine market in Chianti takes place in September. Those interested in visiting the classic cantina in Chianti should go to Castello di Brolio, just outside BROLIO, near Gaiole. The building is majestic, and for a guided tour, as a rule, you do not have to make an appointment in advance.
Practical details
Hotel prices in Chianti are unbearably high; cheap are only campsites in Castellina and the fortified town of BARBERINO VAL D'ELSA. The situation is similar with restaurants. Trattoria San Sano, in SAN SANO (near Gaiole), is a nice traditional trattoria, connected to the restaurant, bar and multi-assortment shop – it's worth stopping when passing by. In II Molino delle Bagnaie (• 0577/747062), a very attractive cellar in an adapted mill on the road from Gaiole to Pianella, every evening there is music – partly cabaret, partly Tuscan folk songs. Features in the premises are moderately high, and the atmosphere is, as per Chianti, Unusual.