Chianti

Background

Chianti is probably Italy’s most famous wine district and it is located between Florence and Siena in the Tuscany region. The climate and land have made this an agricultural centre for centuries and in the 13th century three of the most important towns, Castellina, Radda and Gaiole formed the ‘Lega di Chianti’ and created the spiritual heart of the region, choosing as their symbol the Gallo Nero (black rooster).Throughout the middle ages the area was a battleground for the bitter power struggle between the cities of Florence and Siena which culminated in the fall of Siena in 1555.

The Chianti wine itself was originally white but over time evolved into a red wine with the first known ‘recipe’ devised in 1872 by Baron Bettino Ricasoli who would later become the Prime Minister of Italy. The first officially designated wine producing area in the world, Chianti is famous the world over and, although not a cutting edge destination, the charm and beauty of Chianti’s quaint towns continue to entice both tourists and homebuyers who enjoy the stunning landscape, excellent food and laid back lifestyle