ON THE HEELS OF BACCHUS

Meet your private driver outside your accommodation in Rome and set off for Florence. Before reaching your destination you will stop at a highly-esteemed Chianti estate 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.

Wine enthusiasts will visit a renowned estate near Castelnuovo Berardenga. The property covers six hundred hectares, of which ninety-five are cultivated with vines, and lies between the Chianti Classico area and the Crete Senesi, a geological position to which it owes its unique landscape, terroir and scents. On a tour of the vineyards and cellar, accompanied by a member of staff, you will discover the estate’s philosophy and mission. Investing in new techniques, embracing biodynamic production, constantly experimenting and striving to preserve the environment are at the core of this winery’s values. Its activities are centred around the production of high quality wine and olive oil. In addition, some areas cultivated with wild herbs and medicinal plants, cereal-sown fields and woods, make a special contribution to the conservation of biodiversity. Top off your experience with a tasting of the estate’s wines and a light lunch made with local and seasonal products.

In the afternoon your private chauffeur will drive you to your accommodation in Florence.