An itinerary to discover Chianti

A typical view of Chianti Classico: green hills, vineyards, farmhouses and cypresses

THE WONDERS OF CHIANTI CLASSICO

An itinerary along Italy’s most famous wine route, the SR222, known as the ‘Chiantigiana’

TEXT Teresa Favi

If you are in Florence to visit the city of art and the Renaissance, remember it is surrounded by beautiful hills that a ract visitors who love the landscape and wine enthusiasts from all over the world. This is why it is worth planning at least one day out of town by taking advantage of the many car rental services available in the city. For a day that’s guaranteed to be unforge able, we recommend you explore the Chianti Classico area, famous for its legendary picture-perfect landscapes and its Sangiovese-based red wines, aboard a deluxe sports car or a vintage 4-wheeler. For the most evocative itinerary, head south of Florence on the SR222, more commonly known to Tuscans as the Chiantigiana. This stretch of road runs through the Chianti Classico hills, con-

necting Florence with Siena

THE CHIANTI AREA, FAMOUS FOR ITS PERFECT LANDSCAPES

and has always been one of the world’s best known wine

routes. All panoramic curves and natural watercolors, the SR222 passes through Greve, the site of the Wine Museum, Panzano and Castellina in Chianti. It is a route that honours food and wine with stops at prize-winning wineries, food shops and restaurants featuring local steak and charcuterie. The road goes through Strada in Chianti, continuing along past the vineyards between Chiocchio and Spedaluzzo, where it offers picture-perfect views. Further on, two romantic castles, Verrazzano and Montefioralle, herald your arrival in Greve in Chianti, the heart of the Chianti Classico area, with its enchanting triangular square with the Church of Santa Croce in the southernmost corner, and surrounded

The Chianti Classico area is famous for its Sangiovese-based red wines

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1. Antica Macelleria Falorni 2. Castellare di Castellina vineyards 3. Fonterutoli 4. Dario Cecchini (ph. Dario Garofalo) 5. Wine Museum, Greve in Chianti

A TRIP THROUGH GREVE, PANZANO AND CASTELLINA IN CHIANTI

by tantalizing food and wine shops under the arched loggia. To mention just one, Antica Macelleria Falorni, which has been selling its excellent charcuterie since 1729. The Saturday morning market in the square is fascinating. If you want to eat outdoors in the countryside, among the vineyards, try Terreno, 5 minutes from Greve, where Sofia Bebban Ruhne had the idea of creating this restaurant on the family estate. They have several tables on the beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking the vineyards. Continuing on, here is Panzano, the realm of butcher-poet Dario Cecchini who finds the time to recite Dante’s Divine Comedy between steaks and Chianti “tuna” (an exquisite pork loin, cooked in water and dressed with olive oil). But Cecchini does not just mean a butcher’ shop – now there are three world-renowned ways to enjoy Tuscan meat in all its delicious forms. The Cecchini Panini Truck, a food truck open 7 days a week - among its specialties, the MAC Dario, a hamburger in crusty bread served on a bed of salad, baked tomatoes and potatoes, Chianti sushi or Chianti tuna. To eat a proper steak instead, go to his Officina della Bistecca while the airy panoramic terrace and nearby Pieve di S. Leonino delight the eye. A er this taste experience, get back on the road and from the crossroads for Radda in Chianti and the delightful village of Volpaia, curves and hairpin bends lined with cypress trees lead to Pietrafi a, up to lovely Castellina in Chianti, and Castello di Fonterutoli, the home of a renowned winery. Siena is now around the corner, ready to bewitch you with its wonders. We recommend se ing your GPS: Bagno a Ripoli, Grassina, Greve in Chianti, Castellina in Chianti, Siena. Have a great trip.