Traveling through Tuscany. Sights of Florence and what to see in the surrounding area

If you were asked to drive along the Chianti wine road in search of a “drunk road”, would you take it? So I had no reason to deny myself such an adventure. So what is hidden behind such beautiful description and what is this road famous for?

2. "Drunk Road" - business card Tuscany, the Orcia Valley and the city of Monticchiello to which it leads. An asphalt ribbon lined with cypress trees, descending from the most picturesque hills, is included in the UNESCO heritage. Her images decorate magnets, spoons, postcards, and stamps. Locals They even sometimes pray for her. I'll post a postcard as a guide. This is what we went for.

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

4. But the trouble is that the landscapes of Tuscany are incredibly beautiful. And instead of the road, you want to look around, the speed drops to a minimum, cars honk behind you, you trudge along like a stoned drug addict. In 30 minutes we drove only 20 kilometers, took a hundred photographs and began to understand that we might not make it on time. But I simply didn’t want to go any further. Could stop at every bush, stone, vineyard

5. The closer we got to the Val d'Orcia valley, the more difficult it was to press the gas. I couldn't stand it, turned on the emergency lights, pressed to the side of the road and took photos, photos, photos.

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

7. At a certain moment the thought came to me, did I even give in to the “drunk road”? 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. There are local shops along the road where you can buy quality, homemade, Tuscan wine. How difficult it is to move on!

9. If you know about wine, then cities like Montalcino and Montepulciano will gently echo in your ears, your hands will reach for the glass, 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 competitions of the noble drink.

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

12. During the Renaissance, students of the Siena art school honed their skills in local natural landscapes. The paintings still reflect the beauty of Tuscany. How is it even possible not to become an artist, poet or winemaker here?

13. I couldn’t stand it. He abandoned the car and ran into the fields.

14. If there are beautiful landscapes and delicious wine, then you can live here. We must give the Italians their due, not to spoil the beauty of these places, but even to embellish them - art. I'll tell you about a couple of local towns soon. They deserve a separate story.

15. Almost there. There's just a little bit left. Here she is already drunk dear, only the view from above. Was it a waste of time?

16. But first, a couple more landscapes.

17. Almost finished postcard or magnet. I'm thinking of ordering it for friends and giving it as a gift. Good idea give magnets of your own production with your photographs. Or I’ll put together a collection and donate it to New Year calendar everyone.

18. It was not in vain that I traveled. Oh, not in vain. I denied myself wine, swallowed saliva, and hurried at stops. Not in vain.

We happened to arrive in the famous Chianti Valley in Italy in not the best weather. You can never trust forecasts... This summer does not please Italy at all with hot and sunny weather, it should be noted. At first we were upset when we saw the sky in clouds. But gradually the blurry landscapes of Tuscany, blurred by high humidity and periodic rain, simply enchanted us.

The views were like paintings by old masters! It’s as if the bright colors of summer have slightly lost their brightness over time...

I deliberately did not improve the brightness in the photographs using Photoshop.

The first breaths of autumn can already be felt in Italy.

It arrives at the end of October, but already at the end of August we saw slightly yellowed trees.

Endless vineyards with juicy clusters of almost ripe fruits and olive groves on the rounded Tuscan hills - this is the Chianti Valley.

The ancient Etruscans grew grapes here.

Medieval castles and farmhouses, which often house cozy hotels; small wineries where you can try all of the above wines, as well as local sausages and cheeses - you can get stuck here for a long time.

The Chianti Valley produces the famous Classico Chianti wines from Chianti grapes. As well as Brunello di Montalcino and San Giovese wines from San Giovese grapes. The taste of wine varies significantly in different parts of the Chianti Valley.

The Chianti Valley is located within the cities of Prato and Pistoia, and covers an area of ​​about 90,000 hectares. We drove through the central part, called Chianti Classico. In addition to the central part, there are several other areas in the Chianti Valley:

Chianti Montalbano is located near the town of Montalbano north of Florence.
Rufina is located in the northeastern part of the valley.
Colline Fiorentini - south of the central part, in the Siena Hills.
Colline Aretina - east and southeast of the city of Arezzo.
Colline Pisane is west of Chianti Classico, near Pisa.
Coline Montespertoli is located along the hills of Montespertoli in the western part of the valley.

The symbol of Chianti is the black rooster, depicted on all wine bottles and numerous souvenirs. The rooster was elevated to the rank of a symbol in the 13th century, when Siena and Florence were actively sorting out relations over the borders of their territories. Then the black rooster of Florence crowed before that of Siena, bringing victory to his city. (How simply territorial disputes were sometimes resolved in those days...)

After such a “cockerel” victory, the cities of Castellina and Gaiole united into the Military League of Chianti Classico and placed the image of a cockerel on their flag. We drove through the territory of this former league by car.

Classic Tuscan landscapes with cypress trees have never left anyone indifferent.

We stopped literally at every kilometer to take a couple of shots.

The Chianti Valley has stunning, intoxicating fresh air.

In addition to its vineyards, the Chianti Valley is famous for its olive groves and the olive oil produced here.

Sometimes cities and towns suddenly appeared among the vineyards. The capital of Chianti Classico is the city of Greve. Without exception, all the grays in this area are called with the ending “in Chianti”, so most often when communicating in the valley this ending is omitted. seen from afar, it turned out to be quite large, some towers were visible in the central part. We will definitely visit someday!

First impressions are always the strongest. The Italian Chianti Valley in my memory will now forever remain in a shroud of rain.

The sun came out only once, showing what the valley looked like in bright light.

We will definitely come back here in sunny weather!

There are several places that you not only want to see, but also in which you definitely want to live, and not in a hotel, but definitely in a house, and if the house is old, the view from the window is wonderful. One of these places is Tuscany, more specifically – Chianti Valley. This region is strongly associated with Florence, Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, beautiful cities, where the great architects of the Cinquecento and other eras worked, but there is another Tuscany - rural, farming, where the main characters are vines, olive trees and an amazing, incomparable landscape. Hills, valleys... and again hills and valleys, and so on ad infinitum, stretching into the azure sky.

So, no overnight stays in Florence, only the Chianti Valley and only apartments in a beautiful old house. We have already had to book houses in Provence through the http://airbnb.ru/ and http://www.homeaway.com/ systems. I talked about this experience in detail in my article Our home in Provence. But it was August, super high season, and there were a lot of problems, but we arrived in Tuscany at the beginning of April and, as our hostess said, we were the second people to stay with her this season. Therefore, this time we simply booked through www.booking.com without any problems. The problem was only in the best choice, and, fortunately, there was no mistake - the farm turned out to be simply magnificent http://www.agriturismosanleo.it/.

According to the owner, the oldest buildings were more than 1000 years old. Now everything has been restored and prepared to welcome tourists. All apartments have their own entrance, a terrace with a table and chairs in the fresh air, each has a kitchen with a stove, dishwasher and refrigerator. Inside there are one or more bedrooms, air conditioning throughout, but the decor retains the style and spirit of a farmhouse. There are only 9 apartments and they are designed for different numbers of guests (from 2 to 6).

There is a swimming pool, but it was not open yet at the beginning of April. There are olive trees all around, some of them very old.

The farm specializes in the production of olive oil. The breakfast room has a winter garden and old olive processing equipment. You can book a tour during which you will be shown the estate itself and the modern oil production (45 minutes, 10 euros per person). The hostess speaks English.

Breakfast is not included in the price, but you can order it separately. Sweet Italian will cost seven euros, but by paying another five euros, you will get prosciutto, cheese, boiled eggs or scrambled eggs, olives. Everything is of very high quality and there is a lot of everything, but the price of 12 euros for breakfast is somewhat annoying, considering that the room has a kitchen, and the nearest supermarket is 5 km away.

The Internet is only possible in the “under the door of the owner’s office” option, but maybe this is for the better.

On Saturdays there is a dinner at the farm. For 25 euros you are offered a variety of snacks, chicken from your own poultry house and red house wine. But we took appetizers, wine and Florentine steak (Bistecca alla fiorentina) - a huge piece of beef (1 kg) for two. It turned out to be 35 euros per person. Everything is very tasty and very homely.

Result: Everything is just wonderful! This is how you should live in Tuscany – closer to nature. The only thing you need to be prepared for is that there are very winding and narrow roads here, constant ups and downs. I would advise those who get motion sickness to come to the Chianti Valley with a supply of anti-sickness medications.

If you want to go on a trip to Europe organized by me, look at the current offers for joining groups on my website www.dmitrysokolov.ru

Dmitry Sokolov

• Unusual travels to Europe http://www.sokolovcz.ru/
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Do you want to visit the homeland of classic Chianti, the legendary Italian wine that became famous already in the 13th century? Then get ready: early morning departure from Marina di Scarlino towards Florence - now you are already in Impruneta. After admiring the beautiful sanctuary of St. Mary, you take the “Chianti Way” towards Siena, following the state road No. 222. Then arrive in Greve in Chianti, to its beautiful medieval square, and visit the historical cellars to taste 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 Italy, where you can stroll through silent streets and ancient vineyards. This wonderful area holds other surprises. A few more kilometers and you are in Volpaia, 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 leg of our journey is Radda in Chianti, headquarters of the Classic Chianti Consortium. The last attraction of the town is the rural church of San Giusto in Salcio: feel the harmony of the 11th century architecture.

Scarlino

Scarlino is a town located 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 a few minutes from the beautiful Marina di Scarlino Yacht Club & Residences. The history of the town, which dates back to before the 10th century AD, is connected with the history of the noble Aldobrandeschi family. For a taste of history, stroll along the medieval ramparts to the Rocca Aldobrandesca, then soak in the ancient streets or the beautiful Roman church of San Donato, which dates back to 1188.

Cala Violina

We are talking about a miracle that is located practically under your windows. Cala Felice Beach Club is an elegant structure where you can have a great rest, enjoying the beautiful sea and sun. Can't resist the call of the sea that irresistibly draws you to adventure? Then you should rent an inflatable 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 associated with? Try walking on the fine sand of this delightful bay: quiet days Your walk will be accompanied by a gentle sound made by the sand, reminiscent of a violin. It is worth remembering that Cala Violina cannot be reached by private road transport, but in the summer there is a shuttle service.

Alternatively, you can reach Cala Violina on foot along a 4 km path that starts at the restaurant “Il Cantuccio”, located in the area of ​​Il Puntone, Garibaldi seafront, and follows in the direction of the Tourist Port. After the barrier, trail No. 1 begins, which runs through Mediterranean vegetation. After 2 km you can see the stunning rugged cliffs and clear green water of the bays 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 spectacle of the appearance of the outlines of the Island of Elba on the horizon of Marina di Scarlino. This is how, in the breeze of the dawning day, an exciting and slightly sporty journey through the seven wonders begins National Park Tuscan archipelago. In this paradise you will find the clearest water and depths of the sea, the sight of which brings to mind thoughts of treasure hunting, as well as picturesque beaches, wild nature and evidence of living history. Our starting point is the island of Elba and Cape Enfola with amazingly 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 all you have to do is choose any of the many routes. Here, for example, is 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 Gorgona, already mentioned by Dante in Canto XXXIII of Inferno , dedicated to the tragic character Ugolino della Gherardesca. But you don't have to worry - you are in heaven.

Siena And Surroundings

Siena is the ideal place to discover the historical and cultural heritage Tuscany. Now you are already driving in the car towards Siena - a UNESCO heritage site, an unsurpassed treasury of art, culture, cuisine, which has no equal in the whole world. Just an hour and a half drive from Marina di Scarlino, Piazza del Campo is at your feet. First stage? The magnificent cycle of frescoes "Allegories of Good and Bad Government", painted by Abrogio Lorenzetti in 1337 for the Council of Nine Chamber of the Palazzo Pubblico. Or do you prefer Duccio's Maesta, a treasure housed 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 attend. But before summer arrives, would you like to continue your wonderful journey by visiting one of the most beautiful and rich areas of Italy? South of Siena you will find the wonders of the Renaissance, which you can admire in Pienza, and the masterpieces of Italian winemaking: the best wines of Italy - the magnificent Super Tuscans from Montalcino and Montepulciano. You can also head north to admire the enchanting beauty of Monteriggioni Castle, built by the inhabitants of Siena at the beginning of the 13th century, to visit Colle Val d'Elsa, old City, located on the Via Francia, or in San Gimignano, a real medieval Manhattan with its incredible towers that go back to the origins of history.

Maremma Experience

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

Do you want to know 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. A journey awaits you through the majestic necropolises and ancient towns, rising on tuff rocks: for example, Pitigliano, which is also called “little Jerusalem”, Sovana and its magnificent 11th century cathedral or Sorano, which is an amazing labyrinth of streets, courtyards and niches carved into the rock. These few kilometers contain centuries of history.

Do you want to have an unforgettable experience?

Then visit Volterra, where the wonders of the Guarnacci Museum await you, most notably the magnificent “Shadow of the Evening” (“L’ombra della sera”), so named by Gabriele D’Annunzio. Do you want to make a quick transition to mannerism? Just a few steps and you are already in the Pinacoteca in front of the masterpiece “The Descent from the Cross”, painted 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 was highly valued already in Roman times. It is enough to spend just one day in thermal springs, the temperature of which is 37°, and you will completely relax and feel great.

Are you interested in the Romanesque period?

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

Do you want to relax in the lap of nature?

Maremma National Park consists of virgin forests 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 with an area of ​​9,800 hectares, located between Principina a Mare and Talamone. Here you can admire the Mediterranean vegetation, take a walk, bike or horseback ride. This oasis of beauty is home to small and large masterpieces of art and nature, for example, the Abbey of San Rabano - an ancient Benedictine monastery, which then passed to the Knights of Jerusalem. This is where movie-worthy adventures await you.

Florence

There is only one thing that can be said about this city - it is a whole world full of amazing surprises awaiting you at any time of the year and in any setting. A completely different world awaits you here. Do you want to dedicate a whole day to museums? In the Uffizzi you will find masterpieces by great masters, from Giotto and Botticelli to Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Titian. Are you looking for a more private environment suitable for reflection? Then take a walk 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 uncontrollable desire to look at the works of Raphael? If so, then go to Palazzo Pitti. Or, alternatively, slow down and take a romantic stroll along the Arno and Ponte Vecchio or along the paths of the Boboli Gardens. An unforgettable shopping experience awaits you in the magnificent boutiques on Via dei Tornabuoni, which is the standard of refined taste and Italian elegance. Before heading back to the coast, spend at least an hour at the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum and his amazing creations, which adorned the feet of such world stars 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 Maremma

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

Golf

A few minutes' drive from Marina di Scarlino, near Gavorrano, the Il Pelagone golf club was opened. Here you will find one of the best golf structures in Tuscany. The magnificent course, which offers spectacular views of the Maremma hills, has 18 holes. There is a convenient training field nearby where you can prepare for major sports competitions and show decent results.

The taste of Tuscany is the taste of wine, olive oil and other delicacies; A full acquaintance with these tastes means not only tasting the best samples, but also observing the nature, landscape and production through which they are born.

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The gastronomic tradition of the region is extremely rich: Tuscany alone has 42 wines certified at EU level (DOC and DOCG categories). Also in Tuscany there are 19 farms with registered origin and as many as 455 traditional products. For those who want to learn more about the richness of the local gastronomic culture, there are specially designed routes.

Wine route Vino dei Colli di Candia (Lunigiana)

Spelled Garfagnana IGP © finedininglovers.it

The main product of the Garfagnana region is the chestnut; for many years it was a staple food. No less famous is the local spelled IGP category (patented geographical name), from which many soups are prepared. The neighboring region, Lunigiana, is famous primarily for lard from Colonnata (also IGP category). You should also definitely try “testaroli” - a kind of pancakes cooked on special disks of “dough” made of cast iron or iron directly on a live fire, “zgabei” (strips of fried dough) and “panigacci” (flatbread made from water and flour, which are baked in wood stove). This corner of Tuscany, despite its mountainous landscape, produces wine of two appellations of origin (DOC): Candia dei Colli Apuani Doc and Colli di Luni Doc.

Lucca and Montecarlo: wine and olive oil

© comitatounplilucca.wordpress.com

Lucca's DOP extra virgin olive oil is produced from at least 70% Frantoio olives, as well as Leccino, Moraiolo and Pendolino varieties. Local specialties include garmuja soup made with meat and vegetables, pies with artichokes, onions or potatoes, and trout with pan-fried beets. The main dessert is a buccellato cake made from flour, butter and sugar with the addition of raisins and anise seeds. Wines from the Luccan hills (Colline Luccesi) and from Montecarlo (Montecarlo) are extremely ancient history, dating back to the Etruscan era.

Tastes and colors in the Apennines of Pistoia

Two traditional products for which this region is famous are the ornamental citrus fruits of Tuscany IGP and the magnolia of Pistoia IGP. Local farmers are also proud of the beans from Sorana IGP: this variety, with white, small and slightly flattened fruits, has a very delicate taste, which was appreciated by the composer Gioachino Rossini. They also make pecorino cheese from raw sheep's milk from the mountains and valleys of Pistoia and sweet chestnut flour from the mountains of Pistoia.

"The Chestnut Road from Mugello" to Marradi

Chestnuts from Mugello © teladoiofirenze.it

For a long time, residents of the town of Marradi have associated its history and name with chestnut: it is also called “breadfruit” here, since not so long ago chestnut was one of the few sources of food for mountain residents. Local chefs have created a lot of different recipes that will help you appreciate the main product of these forests; In October, a chestnut festival is held in his honor - Sagra delle Castagne. In addition, in this area they love and know how to cook mushrooms, polenta, tortelli, sausages, sauces and game main courses.

Products of the Casentino Valley

Prosciutto from Casentino DOP © ilmangiaweb.it

The products of the Casentino Valley have been renowned for their quality for centuries. As in many other places in Italy, local producers try to use local products and raw materials as much as possible. Far beyond Casentino, local ham (Dop category), Sanbudello pork salsiccia, and the meat of the white Chianina bulls of the central Apennines (IGP), from which the famous Florentine steak is made, have become famous. Abbucciato cheese from Arezzo is not quite ordinary; Cetika is famous for its chestnuts, truffles and red potatoes. The latter is grown in the traditional way and used to make tortelli (dumplings).

Route along the Tuscan part of the Tiber Valley (Valtiberina)

In this valley, white Central Apennine bulls of the Chianina breed (IGP) are raised, the meat of which is ideal for steaks, as well as baking, stewing and boiling. December and January are considered “pork season,” when sausages, hams, salsicci, sambudelli, soprassata, capocolla, cicciloli and other meat products are prepared. The local olive oil smells of herbs and is made from the varieties of Gentile, Morcona, Oriola, Frantoia and Leccia. The list would be incomplete without Kentucky tobacco, which is used to make the famous Tuscan cigars.

Wine route around Arezzo

The Val di Chiana gave its name to the Chianina cow breed, which is now raised in other parts of Tuscany. The meat of this breed has a distinct taste and contains a moderate amount of fat, evenly distributed throughout the meat. This is why the finished meat is so soft. A special variety of beans, “zolfino” and “valdar beans,” grow here. Among the meat products, we mention porchetta, a suckling pig roll baked in a wood-burning oven. Another typical dish is Etruscan rabbit, which is stewed in a pot with onions, garlic and olives. The local yellow salty bread is unusual. As for desserts, it is worth trying “gatto a la Aretine” - a sponge roll with chocolate custard. The main wine is Chianti Colli Aretini (Docg) and Cortona (Doc).

Introduction to Chianti Classico

Chianti cuisine draws on the culinary customs of two provinces, Florence and Siena, creating its own image based on them. A typical example is stracotto alla chiantigiana, a beef ham with beans, sage, rosemary, garlic and tomatoes. Chianti Docg is the most common wine in Italy. It is grown in six provinces (Arezzo, Florenia, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato, Siena). Chianti from traditional growing areas is designated as Chianti Classico Docg. This incomparable wine is characterized by the smell of violets and plums, has a fruity and harmonious taste and a sour aftertaste, emphasizing its freshness.

Route through the hills of the Chianti Colli Fiorentini wine estate

© turismo.intoscana.it

This area is considered a zone of “poor cuisine”, home to dishes such as trippa and lampredotto, ribollita and pappa al pomodoro, which are prepared with stale bread, as well as soups and pasta penne straccicate. Peposo alla fornachina, beef stewed in wine, is another famous local specialty, once a favorite dish of Brunelleschi himself. Cinto Toscano pork (Dop category under development) is valued no less than “Colline di Firenze” olive oil (Dop category under development). Wine Chianti Colli Fiorentini Docg is bright ruby ​​in color, transparent, in the “reserve” version it has an even more complex taste and aroma with hints of tobacco, baked cherries and plum jam.

Wine Road Chianti-Rufina and Pomino

© chiantirufina.com

IN local cuisine mushrooms occupy an important place. A rather unusual mushroom is popular here - early hygrophorus, which appears in February when the snow melts, delighting gourmets with its strong and wonderful taste. Local potatoes are prized: potato tortelli are considered a symbol of Mugello cuisine. Among the dishes that have almost gone out of use, it is worth remembering the soup from chin and “brodo di compenso” - a broth of vegetables, to which butter and a cheese rind are added for taste. Typical wines of the area are Pomino Doc and Chianti Rufina Docg.

Montespertoli Wine Route

Due to the exposure of the slopes, soil composition and climate, the Montespertoli region is ideal for growing grapes. In 1997, the Chianti Montespertoli subzone was created to highlight high quality local wines intended for long bottle aging.

The cuisine here is traditional for the Florentine region: ribollita with curly cabbage and cannellini beans, panzanella, pappa coli pomodoro and Florentine steak. Chianti Montespertoli Docg has a ruby ​​red color that becomes more garnet with age; the smell is wild berries and violet. The wine has an excellent structure, velvety and elegant taste.

Via Medici: Carmignano wines

Dates from Carmignano, dried on reed mats, have been considered a delicacy since Ancient Rome. The shortbread and almond cookies “cantuccino di Prato” are famous, they go well with “vin santo”. Carmignano is the smallest Docg region in Italy, and the first Tuscan wine (along with Chianti) to be controlled and guaranteed by origin. Its taste is dry and harmonious, its smell is of violets and wildflowers.

Montalbano route

IGP Toscano olive oil, specified as Montalbano, is produced from Frantoio, Moraiolo, Leccino, Pendolino, Rossellino and Piangente olive varieties. It is green in color with shades of yellow, the taste is fruity, with notes of almond and artichoke. For sweets, we would like to mention “brigidini di Lamporecchio”, the finest anise-flavored cookies, “Berlingozzo” - a bagel that village gourmets used to wear right around their necks, “cantuccini”, which go so well with a glass of Vin Santo. Chianti Montalbano, now the Docg area, was famous for its wine back in the 13th century! This wine was served at the table of the bishops of Pistoia.

Wine route "Colline Pisane"

The most famous delicacy of the province of Pisa is the white truffle, and the fruit is cherries from Lari. Table grapes from San Colombano are also known. It is worth noting several unusual meat dishes, for example, “testicciola alla pizana” is the boiled head of a young bull or lamb, but, of course, fish cuisine dominates here. A typical example is cuttlefish ink risotto. The DOP category for Pecorino cheese from Balze Volterrane is currently being finalized. The recently registered Chianti Colline Pisane Docg has become a new star among Tuscan wines.

Wine route of Vernaccia di San Gimignano

San Gimignano is best known for its medieval tower houses, which once belonged to local aristocrats, each of whom sought to outdo the others in height. Along the route you will come across entire fields of saffron (the DOP category is currently being issued for it).

Vernaccia di San Gimignano Docg is an ancient wine that even Dante mentioned in “ Divine Comedy" At first it was awarded the Doc category, and in 1993 - Docg. This is a dry white wine of straw yellow color with a delicate aroma and a dry harmonious taste.

"Colli Senesi": in the hills around Siena

The most famous Siena dish is pici. “Panforte” and “Ricciarelli” are also quite famous in Italy; the Igp category for them is now being formalized. The first, by the way, was first mentioned in 1205: at that time it was made by no less than pharmacists, apparently because large quantity ingredients in the recipe. It consisted of candied fruits, honey, caramelized sugar, almonds, flour and many spices. The ancestor of “ricciarelli” was marzipan; they also contain sugar and almonds. The sweet became popular in Siena in the 15th century. Chianti Colli Senesi Docg wine is made almost entirely from the Sangiovese variety. Ruby red wine has a characteristic violet aroma. The dessert Vin Santo dei Colli Senesi attracts more and more tourists interested in oenology to the region.

Wine route Nobile di Montepulciano

South-east of Siena, near the border with Umbria, is the town of Montepulciano, called the “pearl of the Cinquecento” for its amazing architecture. As elsewhere in the Siena region, people eat pici (a type of handmade spaghetti) with meat and mushroom sauces. Red wine Nobile di Montepulciano was first mentioned at the beginning of the 14th century. In 1980 it was awarded the Docg category. “Nobile” is slightly tannic, dry, characterized by a garnet color with orange hues that intensify as the wine ages. The smell is violet, more or less intense.

Orcia Valley Wine Route

Local cuisine: grilled meats, homemade pasta, soups, game sauces, Pecorino Terre di Siena cheese, lake fish. Orcia Doc Rosso - a universal wine, white Orcia Bianco goes well with light and fish dishes

Montalcino Wine Route

Buristo - salami, which almost disappeared from the shelves due to new sanitary and hygienic rules, has been made for centuries from pork blood, fat, lemon zest, raisins, pine nuts and spices. Salami “bastradro” is a dry-cured sausage made from the same minced meat as salsiccia. Brunello di Montalcino is the first Italian wine to receive the DOCG category. It is produced in the municipality of Montalcino exclusively from the Sangiovese variety, called Brunello in the local dialect. This classic wine goes well with red meat, roasts, game, and aged cheeses. You can drink it on its own, as the Italians say, “for meditation.”

Wine and food route
Monteregio di Massa Marittima

Maremma's cuisine is very varied and rich, including soups, tagliatelle with sauces, pork and wild boar salsiccia, and game dishes. The Monteregio di Massa Marittima Doc wine became known not very long ago. Doc has eight categories including red, reserve, pink, novello. All of them are made from Sangiovese and other red grape varieties. Montregio goes well with a variety of dishes.

Wine route “Etruscan Coast”

The route runs close to the sea coast, from Cecina to Piombino, partially covering the island of Elba. Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci are home to the most famous vineyards in the world, from which Sassicaia is made. Game plays an important role in the local cuisine, and the proximity to the sea means a large selection of fish dishes. On the Elbe, octopus with potatoes, Elbian mussels, stoccafiso alla riesche and other interesting recipes are popular. An unusual local specialty is strawberry jam, slightly sour, ideally combined with pecorino cheese.

Monteccuco Wine Route and Amiata Mountains

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The route covers the slopes of Mount Amiata, which lies between the Maremma lowland and the Siena hills. There are many forests, vineyards and olive groves, medieval towns, castles and farms with ancient wine cellars and olive oil presses. In this non-tourist part of Tuscany, food producers do not shy away from innovation, as long as they do not violate centuries-old traditions. The area is famous for its game, mushrooms (especially porcini and king mushrooms), chestnuts from Amiata IGP, olive oil from Seggiano olives (DOP category under development).
Montecucco red wine acquired the Doc category not so long ago, in 1998. It is made from Sangiovese and other red grape varieties. VKontakte