CHEERS TO CHIANTI

Raise your glass to the delights of Chianti on this full-day excursion from Florence. Guests will visit two highly esteemed estates, savour Tuscany’s finest flavours and learn all about one of the world’s most popular wines.

You may not know that the word Chianti originates from the Latin term clangor meaning “clamour”, which refers to the noise produced by the blasts of trumpets, rolling drums and clashing swords that resonated throughout the countless battles that shook the area. As a border territory between the two rival cities of Florence and Siena, Chianti often found itself at the centre of tumultuous events and was far from being the peaceful Eden you can admire today!

Beautiful landscapes, charming towns and fine red wines have made Chianti a must-see for visitors to Tuscany. The region boasts an age-old tradition of vine cultivation that dates back to Etruscan times but it was only in 1716 that Grand Duke of Tuscany Cosimo III de’ Medici officially defined the boundaries of the Chianti wine area. Today, a true Chianti must contain at least 80% Sangiovese grapes and can be recognised by its distinctive label, the black rooster – a symbol steeped in a curious legend. Florence and Siena agreed to put an end to their long quarrel over the borders of their territories by each sending out a knight on horseback when the rooster crowed, at daybreak on a given date. The place they met would become the new border between them. The two cities both did their best to outwit their rival. In Siena, the white rooster was treated to a lavish meal in the hope that a full stomach would produce a vigorous morning crow, while in Florence, the black rooster was left hungry so that it would rise earlier, allowing their knight a head start. The latter strategy proved to be the right one for the Florentine knight set off long before his opposite number in Siena and successfully claimed most of Chianti for Florence. Since then the black rooster has been the emblem of the region.

You will meet your private driver outside your accommodation and begin your day with a scenic ride through the breathtaking Tuscan countryside to a renowned Chianti wine estate housed within a medieval castle. A land survey submitted in 1464 by the former owner of the property to the Florentine land registry stated that wine and oil were already produced by the estate at that time. However, wine was probably made here even earlier, as attested by the vaulted cellars dating back to 1124. A member of staff will accompany you around the premises and fill you in on the history of the castle and its prominent medieval and Renaissance owners. You will also get to know about the efforts of today’s managers to combine respect for tradition, innovatory techniques and commitment to environmental responsibility. You will hear about wine production and ageing techniques, discover how the estate’s clay and limestone soil affects the wine and become familiar with the particular features and regulations that define Chianti Classico. Later, enjoy a tasting of the estate’s signature wines followed by a delicious Tuscan meal that will be served at the estate’s on-site restaurant.

After lunch a 30-minute drive will take you to another prestigious estate, boasting a worldwide reputation as one of Chianti’s finest producers. The story of this winery began in 1960 when a native of San Gimignano, who was forced to leave Tuscany before World War II to seek his fortune in northern Italy, came back to the region to attend a wedding. Spellbound by the picture-perfect landscapes of the Val d’Elsa, he determined to purchase this fabulous estate as soon as he possibly could. The property, comprising an 18th century villa set in a vast and impeccably maintained estate, was later inherited by his son and daughter-in-law who planted vineyards and set to work on the creation of what has since become one of the most revered Tuscan wineries. Among the records they achieved is that of being the first estate in the area ever to produce a single-vineyard designated wine, marking the birth of the earliest Chianti Classico Cru in 1962 and the beginning of fine wine making in Tuscany. After a visit to the vineyard and underground hand-dug wine cellar, applaud the results of sixty years of wine growing wisdom as you indulge in a tasting of three wines… cheers to Chianti!

In the afternoon your private chauffeur will drive you in comfort through the splendid Tuscan countryside back to your hotel.