Toscane

Historically the Chianti area comprised the communes of Gaiole, Radda, and Castellina. With the constitution of the Chianti wine zone in 1932 the geographical Chianti area was enlarged and the subzone Chianti classico came to include not only the specific Chianti area but all the hills between Florence, Siena and Arezzo as well.
The ancient Chiantigiana road, about 70 kilometers long, crosses the region, connecting Florence and Siena, passing through fields and valleys where the famous blue-violet irises, the symbol of Florence, grow. The bulbs have been used for centuries in the production of perfumes. The visitor remains enraptured by the suggestive Medieval atmosphere of this landscape of hills, vineyards and Medieval towns.

Here one finds the historic centers of production of Italy's most famous wine, and every road leads to a winery, a castle or a farm whose name is impressed on a wine label together with the famous Gallo Nero trademark, the sign of the best Chianti wine. The various sites often offer special evening musical events and wine festivals.
The typical Chianti cookery is "peasant" cooking, based on white beans, soups, green vegetables, but includes also game, high quality sausages and salamis, and the famous chianina beef. A product of particular value is the olive oil produced from the local groves.
The traditional handicraft of the Chianti area is terracotta.