Chianti

The steep rolling hills are covered in vineyards, olive groves and woodland and are linked by picturesque towns such as Greve and Castellina in Chianti. Wine production started here with the Etruscans and is going strong now, with Chianti being one of Italy's foremost red wines. Geographically is extends from Florence to Siena, with the eastern boundary being the Monte dei Chianti - further east is the Val d'Arno - and the Val d'Elsa in the west.

Not surprisingly this area has always been popular with foreigners and its appeal shows no signs of abating. Wine is a serious matter here too and as you drive into Chianti expect to see signposts welcoming you to the land of the Gallo Nero – the black cockerel. The wine is full bodied and, since the 1970s, has been steadily improving. The Etruscans first started wine-making here and Sangiovese is the Chianti grape. Among the great vineyards to visit and taste Chianti are Castello di Verrazzano, Villa Calcinaia and Antinori.

The property market is mature in Chianti as this area was, and still is now, the authentic and vintage Tuscany. Sadly the days of finding a long abandoned farmhouse on a hillside and buying it for a song are long gone. Though there are still bargains and even close to Greve there are unrestored properties for sale where you can create your own Tuscan paradise.

To the west of Chianti lies San Gimignano, a World Heritage Site, and Volterra, the former Etruscan city. While over the Monte dei Chianti to the east lies the Val d’Arno.

Also See:

Il Consorzio del Gallo Nero - The homepage of the Chianti Classico wine producing Consorzio (in English and Italian)

The Comune of Greve-in-Chianti - The town of Greve is on the SS222 and is seen by many as the de facto 'capital' of Chianti. (in English and Italian)

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