Wine routes – Chianti

Chianti extends over a vast area of countryside between Florence and Siena, bordered by the rivers Arno, Elsa, Ombrone and Arbia. The hills are home to the wine of the same name, amid vineyards of high quality and towns full of history. The name Chianti is used in documents from the 13th century to designate an area, formed by the territories of Radda, Gaiole and Castellina, that was within the authority of the city of Florence. This border land was often the scene of epic battles, as shown by the countless castles and fortified parish churches.

With the rise of modern agriculture, villas and farmhouses filled the land and became centres of the rural economy first, gradually turning into modern wine production companies. A tight business network revolves around the main asset, wine. The Chianti wine production area is extensive. From Florence to Arezzo it is divided into Chianti Classico, Montalbano, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Colline Pisane and Pistoiesi.