The territory of Chianti

A TERRTORIO DEVOTED TO THE PRODUCTION OF WINE

THE Chianti Territory

Welcome to the land where the world’s most famous red wines are produced.
Chianti is a hilly area in the heart of Tuscany characterized by a succession of beautiful landscapes marked by the romantic vineyards that give birth to the most famous of red wines: Chianti.

The origins of this land, rich in legendary history and wine-making tradition, have made this area famous throughout the world.

It was the Etruscans who introduced agriculture to this area by introducing the cultivation of grapes. Then came the Romans, who gave a great boost to the agricultural economy, particularly beginning the cultivation of olives.

With the end of the Empire, the Chianti area experienced dark ages, but its territory, always somewhat on the edge of the great communication routes of the past meant that Chianti remained sheltered from the great barbarian invasions after the fall of the Roman Empire.
From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance it was bitterly contested between the two rival cities-Siena and Florence.
Only when wars ceased, especially with the Medici dynasty, did the Chianti region experience a period of prosperity.
As early as after the year 1000, the Chianti region began to develop again. Its wine vocation emerged as early as the 12th century, when families such as the Ricasoli and Antinori inaugurated their presence on these lands and helped make the Chianti appellation one of the oldest in Tuscany.
The production of this prestigious wine is regulated by a production specification and recognized as Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita.
The grape variety most widely used in the production of Chianti Classico is Sangiovese, present in quantities ranging from 80 percent to 100 percent.
Other red grapes such as Canaiolo, Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are allowed.

Monteriggioni is located in the Chianti area, so if your trip is dedicated to wine, a stop at the Medieval Castle of Monteriggioni is due. The Mariotti family awaits you at Il Feudo Restaurant, located right in the central square of Monteriggioni, to enjoy the dishes of Tuscan cuisine paired with the best red wines of the area.