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Chianti wine route. Traveling in Tuscany

Do you want to visit the birthplace of classic Chianti, the legendary Italian wine that became famous already in the 13th century? Then get ready: departure early in the morning from Marina di Scarlino towards Florence - here you are already in Impruneta. After admiring the beautiful sanctuary of St. Mary, you enter the “Chianti Road” towards Siena, following the state road No. 222. Then arrival in Greve in Chianti, its beautiful medieval square, and a visit to the historic cellars to taste the wines produced during the years of the best harvests. Do you want to feel the spirit of the Middle Ages? Then we invite you to Montefioralle, one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, where you can stroll through the silent streets and ancient vineyards. This wonderful area is fraught with other surprises. A few more kilometers - and here you are already in Volpaille - a beautifully preserved medieval town, famous for its castle and magnificent enoteca (if you can, go there in May, when a million fragrant roses bloom in the city). And finally, the last stage of our journey is Radda in Chianti, the headquarters of the Consortium of Classical Chianti. The last attraction of the town is the rural church of San Giusto in Salcho: feel the harmony of the architecture of the 11th century.

Scarlino

Scarlino is a town nestled on the slopes of Monte d'Alma. It is here that for the first time the Maremma appears before you in all its splendor - an endless green space that merges with the blue of the sea on the horizon. Scarlino, a small but charming medieval town, is just minutes from the beautiful Marina di Scarlino Yacht Club & Residences. The history of the town, which began before the 10th century AD, is connected with the history of the noble Aldobrandeschi family. For a sense of history, walk along the medieval ramparts to Rocca Aldobrandesca, and then immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the old streets or the pristine setting of the beautiful Roman church of San Donato, which was mentioned in historical records as far back as 1188.

Cala Violina

We are talking about a miracle that is located almost under your windows. Cala Felice beach club is an elegant structure where you can relax while enjoying the beautiful sea and sun. Are you unable to resist the call of the sea, irresistibly attracting you to adventure? Then you should rent an inflatable boat and visit Cala Violina ("Fiddler Bay"), the amazing beach of Maremma Grossetto, located a short sail from Marina di Scarlino. Do you want to know what the musical name of this beach is connected with? Try to walk on the finest sand of this delightful cove: in quiet days the accompaniment for your walk will be the gentle sound emitted by the sand, reminiscent of the sounds of a violin. It is worth recalling that Cala Violina cannot be reached by private road transport, but in the summer there is a shuttle.

Alternatively, you can walk to Cala Violina on foot along a 4 km trail that starts at the restaurant "Il Cantuccio" located in the area of Il Puntone, Garibaldi seafront, and continues towards the Tourist Port. After the barrier, trail number 1 begins, which runs through the Mediterranean vegetation. After 2 km you can see the amazing jagged rocks and clear green waters of Cala Francese and Cala Martina, and after another 2 km you will see Cala Violina in all its glory.

Tuscan archipelago

Every day you can admire the delightful sight - the appearance on the horizon of Marina di Scarlino of the outlines of the island of Elba. Just like that, in the breeze of the dawning day, an exciting and a little sports travel by the seven wonders national park Tuscan archipelago. In this piece of paradise you will find the clearest water and sea depths, at the sight of which thoughts of treasure hunting come to mind, as well as picturesque beaches, wildlife and evidence of living history. Our starting point is the island of Elba and Cape Enfola with amazing clear water. Or maybe you want to get to know the island better and visit the house where Napoleon lived during his exile in 1814? Would you like to continue your journey by sea? Then you just have to choose any of the many routes. Here, for example, the island of Giannutri with a wonderful seabed, then the island of Giglio and the island of Montecristo, described in the famous novel by Alexandre Dumas, the island of Capraia with a settlement of the Roman period and a monastery, and finally the island of Pianosa and the island of Gorgon, already mentioned by Dante in the XXXIII song of Hell dedicated to the tragic character Ugolino della Gherardesca. But you don't have to worry - you are in paradise.

Siena And Surroundings

Siena - perfect place to get acquainted with the historical and cultural heritage of Tuscany. Now you are already driving in the direction of Siena - the heritage of UNESCO, an unsurpassed treasury of art, culture, cuisine, which has no equal in the whole world. Just an hour and a half from Marina di Scarlino, Piazza del Campo is at your feet. First stage? Magnificent cycle of frescoes "Allegories of good and bad government", painted by Abrogio Lorenzetti in 1337 for the Council of Nine Palazzo Pubblico. Or do you prefer Duccio's Maesta, a treasure kept in the Cathedral Museum (Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana del Duomo)? In any case, mark two dates in your diary: July 2 and August 16. It is during these days that the famous Siena Palio takes place, which you should definitely visit. But before summer comes, would you like to continue your wonderful journey by visiting one of the most beautiful and rich regions of Italy? Just south of Siena, the wonders of the Renaissance await you in Pienza and the masterpieces of Italian winemaking: Italy's finest wines are the superb Super Tuscans from Montalcino and Montepulciano. You can also travel north to enjoy the enchanting beauty of the castle of Monteriggioni, built by the inhabitants of Siena at the beginning of the 13th century, look at Colle Val d'Elsa, old City, located on the Frankish Road, or in San Gimignano, a real medieval Manhattan with its incredible towers dating back to the origins of history.

Maremma Experience

In this piece of paradise everything is perceived in a special light: nature, history, art, architecture, cuisine, winemaking. Because you are in the Maremma, one of the treasures of Italy. At the heart of this large area lies the Marina di Scarlino Yacht Club & Residences, and it is here that amazing discoveries await you every day.

Want to learn about the origins of Italian civilization?

Then we will begin our story with the Etruscans, one of the most mysterious and amazing peoples of the Mediterranean. You will travel through the majestic necropolises and ancient towns, towering on tufa rocks: for example, Pitigliano, which is also called "little Jerusalem", Sovane and its magnificent cathedral of the 11th century, or Sorano, which is an amazing labyrinth of streets, courtyards and niches, carved into the rock. These few kilometers contain centuries of history.

Want to get an unforgettable experience?

Then visit Volterra, where the wonders of the Guarnacci Museum await you, first of all, the magnificent "Shadow of the Evening" ("L'ombra della sera"), named so by Gabriele D'Annunzio. Would you like to make a quick transition to Mannerism? Just a few steps - and you are already in the Pinacoteca in front of the masterpiece "Descent from the Cross", written by Rosso Fiorentino in 1521.

Do you want to completely relax and not think about anything?

A few kilometers from Scarlino are the famous Terme di Saturnia, which were highly valued already in the days of the Roman Empire. It is enough to spend just one day in thermal springs, whose temperature is 37 °, and you will completely relax and find great well-being.

Are you interested in the Romanesque period?

Then you must be in a place just steps away from Marina di Scarlino Yacht & Residences. We are talking about the city of Massa Marittima and the charming Cathedral of San Cerbone, the true pearl of which is the Madonna and Child (1316), attributed to Duccio di Buoninsegna. A little further - the most interesting "Sources of Abundance". On their walls grows, like a forbidden fruit, the original "Tree of Fertility" - a fresco of 1265, to which all expectant mothers made a pilgrimage.

Do you want to relax in the bosom of nature?

The Maremma National Park is a virgin forest stretching for many kilometers, pine groves, pastures and beaches with dazzling white sand, awarded the European diploma, which is awarded to protected areas. At your disposal paradise 9800 hectares, located between Principina a Mare and Talamone. Here you can admire the Mediterranean vegetation, go for a walk, by bike or on horseback. This oasis of beauty hides small and large masterpieces of art and nature, such as the Abbey of San Rabano, an ancient Benedictine monastery, which then passed to the Knights of Jerusalem. It is here that adventures worthy of a movie await you.

Florence

There is only one thing to say about this city - it is the whole world, full of amazing surprises waiting for you at any time of the year and in any environment. Here you will find a completely different world. Do you want to devote a whole day to museums? In the Uffizi, masterpieces of great masters await you, starting with Giotto and Botticelli, ending with Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Titian. Are you looking for a more private environment suitable for reflection? Then take a stroll through the silent monastery of St. Mark, which houses a painting by Beato Angelico (fans of Savonarola should definitely visit his cell). Do you have an unbridled desire to look at the works of Raphael? If so, then head to Palazzo Pitti. Or, on the contrary, slow down and take a romantic walk along the Arno and Ponte Vecchio or along the paths of the Boboli Gardens. Unforgettable shopping awaits you in the magnificent boutiques of Via dei Tornabuoni, which is the epitome of refined taste and Italian elegance. Before returning to the coast, dedicate at least an hour to the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum and its amazing creations that have graced the feet of world stars such as Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland and Audrey Hepburn. And of course, this museum is dedicated to you, as evidenced by Salvatore Ferragamo's "Vintage" line.

Wines of the Maremma

Wine is one of the main treasures of Tuscany and, in particular, the Maremma. Just a few steps from Marina di Scarlino, the wonderful wine and gastronomic route called "Wine and Taste Road among the Maremma Hills" (Strada del Vino e dei Sapori Colli di Maremma) begins, which lies among natural beauties province of Grossetto. On your way you can taste all the wealth local cuisine and wines from thirteen cities of the Maremma: Campagnatico, Capalbio, Grossetto, Isola del Giglio, Magliano in Tuscany, Manciano, Monte Argentario, Orbetello, Pitigliano, Roccalbegna, Scansano, Semproniano. In each of these cities you will find wines with a strong character, such as Morellino di Scansano, Bianco di Pitigliano, Montecucco Bianco and Montecucco Rosso, Monteregio di Massa Marittima Vin Santo, Novello di Montereggio di Massa Marittima" and "Parrina Rosato al Sovana Rosso Riserva". One sip - and you rise up, feeling like a great sommelier, enjoying an unforgettable experience from a great combination of cuisine and wine. It's on the table, gentlemen!

Golf

A short drive from Marina di Scarlino, not far from Gavorrano, the Il Pelagone Golf Club was opened. Here you will find one of the best golf structures in Tuscany. Magnificent field from which opens scenic view on the hills of the Maremma, has 18 holes. Nearby there is a convenient training field where you can prepare for major sports competitions and show decent results.

If you were offered to drive along the Chianti wine road in search of a "drunk road", would you agree? So I had no reason to deny myself such an adventure. So what lies behind such a beautiful description and what is this road famous for?

2. "Drunk Road" - a visiting card of Tuscany, the Orci Valley and the city of Montichiello to which it leads. Asphalt belt planted with cypresses, descending from the most picturesque hills, is included in the UNESCO heritage. Her images adorn magnets, spoons, postcards, stamps. Locals even sometimes pray for her. As a guide, I'll post a postcard. This is what we went for.

3. Traveling in Tuscany was given with great difficulty. Leaving Florence, we turned onto the Chianti wine road and headed for miracles. It would seem, what is so difficult? Go, you just have to go.

4. But the trouble is that the landscapes of Tuscany are insanely beautiful. And instead of the road, you want to look around, the speed drops to a minimum, cars honk behind you, you trudge like a stoned drug addict. In 30 minutes I drove only 20 kilometers, took a hundred photos and began to understand that we might not be in time. But I just didn't want to go any further. I could stop at every bush, stone, vineyard

5. The closer we got to the Val d'Orcia, the harder it was to step on the gas.

6. People who are in love with landscapes, romantic natures simply should not be allowed into Tuscany. There is a chance that the psyche will be disturbed, and they will not want to return to their native country.

7. At a certain moment, a thought came to me, but did the "drunken road" surrender to me at all? You might as well stay here. Enjoy the views, uncork a bottle of dry white and experience Zen.

8. There are no problems with bottles. Along the road there are local shops where you can buy quality homemade Tuscan wine. How difficult it is to move on!

9. If you understand wine, then such cities as Montalcino and Montepulciano will be reflected in your ears with a gentle echo, your hands will reach for the glass themselves, and your lips will whisper I want.

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10. Oh, it’s not for nothing that this path is called the wine road, because 80% of the territory of Tuscany is covered with vineyards, and local wineries have received world fame and gold medals from various noble drink competitions.

11. Did I already say that it is very difficult to drive and not stop?

12. During the Renaissance, students of the Sienese art school honed their skills on local natural landscapes. The paintings still reflect the beauty of Tuscany. But how is it possible not to become an artist, a poet or a winemaker here?

13. Could not stand it. He abandoned the car and ran into the fields.

14. If there are beautiful landscapes, delicious wine, then you can live here. We must pay tribute to the Italians, not to spoil the beauty of these places, but even to embellish - art. Soon I will tell you about a couple of local towns. They deserve a separate story.

15. Almost arrived. There is little left. Here she is already drunk dear, only the view from above. Did you drive in vain?

16. But first, a couple more landscapes.

17. Almost finished postcard or magnet. I'm thinking of ordering for friends and giving them as gifts. It's a good idea to give magnets of your own production with your photos. Or I'll collect a collection and give it to New Year all calendar.

18. I didn’t drive in vain. Oh, not in vain. He denied himself wine, swallowed saliva, hurried at stops. Not in vain.

February 16, 2015 2:24 pm Greve in Chianti - Italy February 2014

We travel abroad public transport. Somehow I'm afraid to mess with a rental car. I don't drive myself. The daughter steers quite confidently, but this is in the vastness of Israel, but in other people's open spaces ... In short, I'm afraid and that's it.

And if visiting big cities, the individual does not really need this car, then in order to travel to the expanses of suburban and suburban personal transport is necessary. This need is especially felt if you are in such a region replicated by its beauties as Tuscany. And where should the poor tourist go? That's right - book a private tour. Pleasure is not cheap, but fortunately, I did not regret it for a second.

Our lovely guide, Elite, met us in the lobby of the hotel, put us in the car, and we set off under a measured drop of rain, which decided to spoil our pleasure. But from this gray veil of rain, on the contrary, for some reason it became very comfortable and humbly. You know, when peace descends on the soul, and she, wrapped in this peace, like a fog, without excessive zeal, but with sincere curiosity, watches what is happening.

A gray day, under a rainy drizzle, could be mistaken for autumn, if it were not for the almonds blooming in early February. The smell of preli, the sloping wet slopes, evoked thoughts of the November hunt for wild boars, which local population likes to play around, or at least pick mushrooms on a pre-dawn morning.

The elite drove the car carefully and confidently along the wet road, rising uphill, where the first stop at the Verrazzano castle was waiting for us at an altitude of 348 meters. (You can get to the castle on your own from the Florence bus station (located in Piazza Santa Maria Novella at railway station) on the intercity bus No. 365 (about 1 hour on the way).

Built as a fortress during the Lombard era (the name of this place was first mentioned in 1170 in a manuscript preserved in the abbey of Passignano), in the 13th century it was transformed into the so-called “signor’s house”. And in the XVI century it turned into a classic villa with a typical Tuscan farm, surrounded by a beautiful garden. And these lands belong to the family, already, from the 7th century.

But the family recently sold the castle. I don't know who. We didn’t manage to enter the house, because the next day we were waiting for the arrival of the new owner, either for a name day, or for my daughter’s birthday. And so out of season they even let you inside. But we didn't succeed.

But it was completely free to look around and admire the neighboring castle of Vicchiomaggio and the vineyards, stretching like a fan right up to the forest estates. And in this castle lived none other than Mona Lisa Gherardini. It is believed that it was she who posed for one of the most famous paintings by Leonardo da Vinci. The incomparable landscapes of Tuscany served as a background for the image of the beautiful and mysterious Mona Lisa.

And then we had a tasting, and absolutely free! We liked the wine. And I liked the youngest, two-year-old. We ate this splendor with bread and olive oil. And it's even hard to say what I liked more - wine or oil. Tart with bitterness, the smell of beveled mint, chrysolite gold, it spread over the bread crumb. We bought them there, without further ado.

Yes, they also sell wine vinegar. Its consistency is more like liquid marmalade. And it tastes sweet with a hint of wine. It ripens 8!!! years in oak barrels. And by the end of the 8th year, the volume decreases by more than 2 times.

It was here that the famous navigator Giovanni da Verrazzano was born in 1485. Served Giovaniya, however, the French crown. He was the first European to explore the lands of the eastern coast of the Atlantic, reached New York Bay and Naragansset Bay. In New York, a bridge is named after him, which connects Brooklyn and Staten Island.

The sailor's death remains a mystery. According to one version, he was killed and eaten by cannibal tribes from the Antilles. According to another, he was captured by the Spaniards and hanged as a pirate in Cadiz. But his countrymen remember and honor him. In the neighboring town of Greve in Chianti, where we went after the castle, a monument was erected to him.

Of course, we went to this Tuscan town not for the sake of a monument to the navigator, but for the sake of tasting local cellars. Imagine our surprise when it turned out that the tasting room was closed. In fairness, it should be said that on the street of the town there was not only not a single tourist, even locals hiding somewhere.

Greve, in fact, is a commune with a population of about 14 thousand people. The town is tiny, but the buildings there are very old XIV-XV centuries. In 1325, Greve was completely burned down and literally reborn from the ashes. It took almost a century to restore it, but now it is considered one of the main cities of the valley.

On the main square city, an unusual triangular shape, rises the church of Santa Croce, it is on the sharp top of the triangle. And on obtuse corners there are statues of the aforementioned navigator and such a cupbearer god, which is more like a quartered lover.

As one of my friends said: "I fell in love!"

Despite its microscopic size, Greve in Chianti is the capital of the valley, symbolized by this lively black cockerel.

According to one legend, in the 13th century, Siena and Florence had armed disputes over their borders (in the end, the Florentine Republic absorbed Siena). And so it was decided, at dawn, with the first cock crow, to send messengers from each city, and through the point where they intersect, to draw new borders. And while the well-fed, white and fluffy Siena cockerel slept soundly, the Florentine messenger had already set off, thanks to the premature cry of a black rooster, who roared with a good obscenity, when it had not even dawned yet, because on the evening before he had not been fed. It was this bird, and it was for these merits, that they first placed on the flag of the Military League of Chianti Classico, and later on the labels of bottles of famous wine.

But besides wine, the valley is also famous for its pigs, from which all sorts of delicacies are made. These pigs are the product of selection of a restless person, but in this case, the good news is that the crossing took place naturally, and not with the help of genetic engineering. So, a domestic pink pig was crossed with a wild free boar guy, and the Sinta Sinese breed turned out. We bought sausages of different varieties to the eyeballs of a suitcase. It was delicious.

For the next famous product produced in the Chianti Valley, namely the Florentine steak, we went to the nearby village of Panzano to visit the famous butcher Dario Cecchini.

When an epidemic of mad cow disease swept through Europe, the Florentine steak was banned in Italy, since the causative agent of rabies was first found in the animal's spine. At this tragic moment for all the butchers of Italy - Dario arranged a "bistecchi funeral", he was shown on all Italian television channels and he immediately became famous.

This steak, Florentine in the sense, is made from local Chianina cows.

To be honest, we did not order a kilogram steak for each nose (one for two is not allowed, the policy of the institution). My pancreas is not someone else's, it will not endure such excesses, and I do not like to throw away food. Ordered two deli meats and one, like, hamburger. First time eating raw meat. I thought a terrible thing would happen, but nothing, the body did not protest either during the process of absorbing the evidence, or afterwards. True tasty, but not a masterpiece, again.

We sat and chatted about life with the Elite. We drank, we ate, we paid. I like it. A kind of local Tuscan popular flavor. Not true, it was good.

And the end point of our journey was the famous city-commune of San Gimignano. I was already in it, but my daughter was not. My first visit happened at the peak of the tourist season, when tourists rushed in swarms along the two streets of this fortified city, spinning around 14 medieval skyscraper towers in Brownian motion.

[Chianti is a hilly area between Florence (Firenze) and Siena (Siena), Arezzo (Arezzo) and the Pisan hills (Colli Pisani), which has always been considered the "heart of Tuscany" (Toscana): it is a string of magnificent landscapes with many vineyards , chestnut and oak groves, holm oak forests, medieval towns, romantic castles and charming country houses. It is also the land where one of the best red wines in the world is made: Chianti. . Traveling in small towns

The Chianti area is the ideal place to visit medieval towns, romantic vineyards and characteristic hilly landscapes. In every small town you can find wine cellars, castles and farms, and taste precious wine in one of the many enotecas. The origins shrouded in legends and wine-growing traditions have turned the land of Clante (Clante - this was the name of a local stream during the Etruscan period) into a world famous region.

For those coming from Florence, the easiest way to get to the land of winemakers is Impruneta (Impruneta), where there are many monuments, among which the 13th century crenellated bell tower, the Basilica of Santa Maria (Basilica di Santa Maria ) and the Treasury Museum (museo del Tesoro). In autumn, two international events take place here: the Wine Festival with a parade of allegorical chariots, as well as the Fair of St. Luke (San Luca).

Behind Florence, on the way to Siena, an obligatory stage of the journey will be the ancient medieval town of Greve in Chianti (Greve in Chianti), with an ancient peculiar triangular square, on the sides of which there are palaces, porticos and covered galleries converging at the Church of the Holy Cross (Santa - Croce, Chiesa di Santa Croce).
In September, the largest Chianti wine exhibition takes place on the square. Montefioralle Castle rises above the city - a medieval fortified town.
Then, on our way, Volpaia is a picturesque medieval settlement that arose around the castle, an ancient center of winemaking.
Nearby is Radda, which grew up around the church of St. Nicholas (San Nicolò, San Nicolò - XIV century) and the majestic praetor's palace (c. 1415). We also recommend visiting the parish church of St. Justus (San Giusto in Salcio, San Giusto in Salcio), immersed in the greenery of vineyards in a small hollow, and the parish church of St. Mary (Santa Maria Novella, Santa Maria Novella) with a characteristic facade in Romanesque style. Very close to Radda is another important point of the program: the Consortium of Chianti Classico Wine (Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico), which houses the Research Center for the History of Chianti (Centro studi storici chiantigiani).

Continuing towards the Chianti mountain pass, we will first see Gaiole, one of the most famous panoramas of Italy, and then many farms and castles, including San Leonino and Fonterutoli.

After Siena, of particular historical interest are Monteriggioni, built in the 13th century on top of a hill and surrounded by a massive fortress wall, and Castellina, an outpost of Etruscan origin in Siena with a beautiful central square, which is crossed by the medieval street Via delle Volte ( via delle Volte).

Finally, we will stop at the splendid Poggibonsi, where in October there is a festival dedicated to the ancient technique of pressing grapes of the hilly areas, and in Montespertoli to visit the annual Chianti exhibition.

Wine All Chianti wines are classified as DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita - "Denomination Controlled and Guaranteed of Origin"), but all Chianti wines are different from each other, each with special characteristics due to a specific terroir and method of production.

The mixture of grape varieties is always the same, only the percentage differs: Sangiovese (Sangiovese) - 75-90%, Canaiolo (Canaiolo) - 5-10%, and Malvasia del Chianti (Malvasia del Chianti) - 5-10%, here an ideal composition discovered in the 19th century by Baron Ricasoli, to which Trebbiano Toscano was later added. This tradition is so ingrained that Tuscan growers plant vines of different varieties together, immediately observing the right proportion required to make wine.

The cultivation of the vine cultivated according to the Tuscan method is largely due to the soil, which consists mainly of marl, which, being porous and permeable, does not allow water to stagnate at the roots.
In the autumn, after the harvest, you can still see a few clusters of grapes on the vine: this is a sign that the winemaker is practicing the “governo” method, that is, adding fresh must from raisined grapes to fermenting wine in order to start the fermentation process again so that the sugar is completely processed into alcohol. Thus, a dry, stable wine is obtained.

After the end of fermentation, refining takes place: the wine remains in steel or concrete vats until March, and after bottling it is ready for sale.
A Chianti wine that has undergone many years of aging (and at least three months of refining in the bottle) may be entitled to bear the name "Riserva" (Riserva), provided that at the time of drinking such wine has an alcohol content of at least 12% by volume, compared with 11.5° Chianti Classico.

Properties

Color: red, bright ruby, aroma: intense, with notes of fragrant violet, iris and vanilla, taste: balanced, dry, with a hint of vanilla and almonds; becomes velvety and soft with age. Approximately 63 million bottles are produced annually.

At the table

Young Chianti and all plain DOCG wines are perfect wines to pair with any meal. Old wines and wines of the Riserva category - the best choice for meat, game and spicy cheeses.
Bottles should be stored horizontally and wine should be served at room temperature. Among the typical dishes of Tuscan cuisine: "ribollita" (ribollita) - a mixture of boiled vegetables left over from yesterday's dinner, stewed again with the addition of stale bread and extra virgin olive oil ("extravergine").
Another classic local dish is traditional snacks, such as crostini (croutons) with chicken liver (crostini di fegatini di pollo), bruschetta (baked baguette) with tomatoes (bruschetta con il pomodoro) and Sienese pork neck sausage, known as "Finocchiata" (finocchiata).

Today's post is contemplative and impractical: about jogging (and not only) with views in one of the most beautiful places in Tuscany.

Wine Chianti road or Via Chiantigiana leads from Florence to Siena. These are endless hills, vineyards, cantina wineries, where the famous Chianti red wine is produced, and picturesque landscapes.

We stopped by during Italy and Switzerland, spending the night at a camper park near the town of Castellina in Chianti.

Vehicle and place of residence - two in one

Conditions for jogging in the neighborhood were unrealistically ideal. Comfortable temperatures at the end of April, local roads with a minimum of traffic (beautiful cyclists are more common in the early morning) and endless gentle hills, behind each of which - the new kind. The most difficult thing here is to persuade yourself to stop and run back, there is always another mound from which it is interesting to look.

Even then, having a modest half-marathon experience, I thought that a marathon could also be mastered here. It would be surprising if in such beautiful place it was not: Chianti Ecomarathon, held at the end of October, the route passes through good local primers and trails. Starter pack includes a bottle of Chianti 😉