A Brief Introduction To Chianti Wine

The Chianti region, extending roughly over the two main cities provinces of Florence and Siena, is characterised by a combination of almost perfect weather and soil that produces a precious wine, considered one of the best wines in the world.
The tradition of cultivating vines in Chianti goes back a long time in history, back to the Etruscans that inhabited the area before the Roman Empire. Thanks to written evidence dating back to these times, it is now known that the Etruscans not only cultivated vines, but also produced wines that were widely appreciated.
Today Chianti wine is produced in several areas in the region, and the area of production determines the denomination:
- Chianti Classico, also called “Gallo Nero'' is the more well-known of the Chianti wines, and is produced in the area between Florence and Siena.
- Chianti Colli Aretini, produced in the hills towards Arezzo.
- Chianti Colli Fiorentini, produced in the hills around Florence.
- Chianti Colli Senesi, produced in the hills around Siena.
- Chianti Colline Pisane, produced in the hills towards Pisa.
- Chianti Montalbano, produced in the Montalbano hills around Pistoia.
- Chianti Montespertoli, produced in the Montespertoli, near Florence.
- Chianti Rufina, produced in the hills near Rufina, to the east of Florence.
All the vineyards we choose for this article are in the Chianti Classico area, the more traditional one.
Antinori Chianti Classico - a Modern Architecture in The Heart Of Tuscany

This Cantina, located in Bargino, south of Florence, has been designed by the leading Italian architect Marco Casamonti and declared The Best Vineyard in Europe 2022 by World's Best Vineyards. Its modern structure is inspired by nature, and is built to fuse with the hill and the landscape without being obtrusive.
The estate organises various wine tours and wine tastings both in English and Italian (which we highly suggest booking in advance). Furthermore, on the top of the cantina - overlooking the vineyards - there is a fantastic restaurant, Rinuccio 1180, which is only open for lunch.
Castello di Ama - Art and Wine

Ama’s vineyards lie between 420 and 527 metres above sea level and extend across four valleys. Its most famous wine is L'Apparita, the first wine 100% Merlot produced in Tuscany.
Castello di Ama produces excellent wines and began an art project in 1999 in collaboration with Lorenzo Fiaschi and Galleria Continua. On average, one art commission has been added every year. So if you love Contemporary Art, this is the right place to visit.
Castello di Volpaia - The Best Vineyard to Stay in Chianti

Among the beautiful narrow streets of the village, guests can buy bread at the local bakery, relax at the bars, taste the outstanding wines at the local cantina, or enjoy a gourmet meal at the Osteria.
Salogi Villas manages two beloved properties on the Volpaia Estate: Casavecchia and Pozza di Volpaia. The estate staff will be happy to assist you during your stay, and help you with cooking services, cooking classes or support you in booking wine tours and restaurants.
Castello di Fonterutoli - an Immersion in Tuscan Middle Ages

The village of Fonterutoli, an ancient Florentine bulwark, a few kilometres from Castellina in Chianti, enjoys an extraordinary view of Siena, close enough to distinguish the Torre del Mangia and the silhouette of the Duomo. Time has stopped here, maintaining the charm of the Middle Ages.
Various wine tours are offered, and an Osteria is open at lunch and dinner. Furthermore, they also offer cooking classes.
Castellare di Castellina - a True Chianti Classico Experience
The founder of Castellare is also the President of the Historical Super Tuscan, association that brings together Chianti Classico’s wineries. Castellare di Castellina was born in 1968, thanks to the merger of five different farms.
This area enjoys excellent soil conditions, and the wines produced are well-structured, intense and suitable for long ageing in bottles.It’s most famous wine is I Sodi di San Niccolo. No synthetic chemicals are used in the Castellare vineyards out of respect for nature and to enable the production of organic wines.
Here it is possible to participate in wine tours and wine and food experiences.
San Giusto a Rentennano - From a Monastery to a Family Own Farm
The Fattoria San Giusto a Rentennano is located in the southernmost area of the Chianti Classico, in the area of Gaiole in Chianti. This Bio Estate, once a Monastery and later a small fortress, has belonged to the same family since 1914.
Each step of the production process is carried out manually and with extreme meticulousness, always respecting the season and the territory.
Their most renewed wines are Percarlo (SanGiovese 100%) and La Ricolma (Merlot 100%).
Vignamaggio Petriolo - an Organic Farm
This organic farm and wine cellar is more than 600 years old. Today the small hamlet located in Greve in Chianti has been fully restored and produces wine, olive oil, preserves and many other local products.
In "Vignamaggio in Piazza", the Vignamaggio shop located in the charming Piazza Matteotti you can stop to taste all the Vignamaggio products.
The Chianti region is one of the most beautiful areas in Tuscany, with many opportunities for a vineyard tour.
Start to plan your dream holiday today, and if you need help finding the perfect Tuscany villa, please visit our range of handpicked villas in Chianti.
Alternatively, please feel free to contact our team for more information.
- The Ultimate Guide For The Perfect Family-Friendly Holiday In Tuscany
- Your Essential Travel Guide To Maremma