Chianti
The territories of Tuscany
This is perhaps the best known of the Tuscan landscapes. The Chianti hills occupy the area between Florence and Siena, wedged between the Valdarno to the east and the Valdelsa and Val di Pesa to the west.
The area is world famous for its wine, and the landscape is defined by vineyards, olive trees and extensive woodland (mostly oak) as well as parcels of dry, rough terrain with the occasional cypress or oak.
The entire area is full of ancient villages, churches, turreted castles and fortresses, mills, rural homes and farms: an architectural landscape created with simple and warm materials such as the limestone, serena stone and earthenware, which over time harmonise with the surrounding landscape.
The Chianti Classico spans the municipalities of Castelnuovo Berardenga, Gaiole, Radda and Castellina on the Sienese side; and those of Greve, Panzano and parts of San Casciano Val di Pesa, Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Barberino Val d’Elsa and Poggibonsi on the Florentine side.
Every year these villages play host to tourists coming from all over the world in their many farmhouses, bed and breakfasts and holiday homes.
