Searching for authentic flavours in Tuscany
The territory of the Chianti Classico Wine and Oil Trail extends between Florence and Siena, the two cities that clashed over the area for centuries.
It includes the entire municipalities of Greve, Radda, Castellina and Gaiole in Chianti and part of the municipalities of Castelnuovo Berardenga, Barberino Tavarnelle, San Casciano Val di Pesa and Poggibonsi. It is a hilly area, full of forests and dotted with small villages, castles, parish churches and country homes. With its vineyards, olive groves and gravel roads, the area vaunts unspoilt stretches of rural landscapes.
This gentle hilly area is dotted with small villages, castles, ancient parish churches and farmhouses. The Trail is an itinerary immersed in a landscape of endless vineyards of Sangiovese, interspersed with olive groves and woods.
At each stop, a good glass of wine paired by local products, to be seasoned with extra virgin olive oil.
Suggested route
The Chianti Classico Wine and Olive Oil Trail is centred around the Chiantigiana, the road that crosses the whole territory, passing first by Greve in Chianti, with its characteristic piazza, then Panzano and Castellina, whose territory is scattered with remains of the Etruscan civilization, to finally arrive in Fonterutoli and, from where, it continues towards Siena.
A large part of the Trail is made up of a network of roads that connect the larger cities to villages and castles. Among the most interesting detours is the one that leads to Radda in Chianti, former capital of the Lega del Chianti.
Along the Trail it is possible to join a guided tour of the cellars and take part in wine, oil and salami tasting experiences. Restaurants and taverns serve the specialties of the Chianti cuisine.
Typical products
The main product is of course Chianti Classico DOCG wine, which, according to the official guidelines, is made from pure Sangiovese grapes, or with the addition of other red varietals (Canaiolo, Colorino), and has been sealed with the symbol of the Chianti Classico Wine and Olive Oil Trail - “Gallo Nero” - since 1924.
The Chianti Classico DOP Extra-Virgin Olive Oil is made from cold-pressing the olives produced from Frantoio, Correggiolo, Moraiolo and Leccino trees.
The Vinsanto del Chianti DOC is made with dried Malvasia and Trebbiano white grapes.
Chianti Classico is an area of robust gastronomic traditions that can be found in the rural cuisine: the nobility of Chianina meat and the immense variety of pork, cinta senese and wild boar cold cuts.
The cultivation of saffron has recently been reintroduced in the area.
Information: stradachianticlassico.it