There is no doubt that Florence is one of the most amazing cities in Italy, probably in the world, thanks to its rich cultural history. Talented artists and architects have lived and worked in Florence over the centuries: Giotto, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raffaello, and many more. Here, they left their print, which everyone can still see and appreciate, such as beautiful monuments, churches, palaces, and works of art.
If you think how extraordinary all of this is, you will be thrilled to know that Florence can unveil other pleasant surprises. It will suffice to head towards the city’s outskirts to discover that an interesting Florence wine countryside exists too. Indeed, Florence hilly countryside is one of the places where famous Chianti vineyards grow. Here, you can experience the best wine tasting, you can visit cellars and let yourself be blown away by magnificent landscapes. In a few words, Florence wine countryside is a true delight for the eye and the palate.
A look upon Chianti region and sub-regions
As said, Florence hills and countryside are part of what we call the region of Chianti, which is the area where Chianti vineyards, cellars and producers are located. To be honest, the whole Chianti area is far larger than the sole Florentine countryside. It extends over 100 miles, overlapping a good part of the fascinating Tuscan inland. It gets to touch the countryside and outskirts of other cities too, like Pisa, Siena, Pistoia, and Arezzo, all situated in Tuscany.
For this reason, Chianti vineyards’ region has been divided into 8 sub-regions since 1932. All these different areas, with different qualities concerning soil and climate, contribute to producing a variety of types of Chianti wines. The 8 sub-regions are: Chianti Classico, Colli Aretini, Colli Fiorentini, Colline Pisane, Colli Senesi, Montalbano, Montespertoli, Rufina. Each origin can help you distinguish a generic Chianti, a hilly one, a terroir-driven one, a higher-quality one and all the features we can find under the appellation “Chianti”.
Despite the details of this classification, which may lead the non-experts to confusion, there seems to be some certainty. First, some characteristics are common to all Chianti wines (and maybe you are wondering which ones are exactly). Second, Florence wine countryside is still considered the not-to-be-missed place when it comes to Chianti vineyards and wine, especially near the border with Siena territory.
Chianti Classico, the most fascinating Chianti vineyards sub-region between Florence and Siena
Driving southwards from Florence, passing through the Chianti vineyards of Colline Fiorentine (Florentine hills), allows you to reach the heart of Chianti winemaking. This is the sub-region called Chianti Classico, which stretches between Florence and Siena’s territory.
As you drive towards the Chianti Classico sub-region, you will have the chance to see the worldwide famous Tuscan landscape. The roads wind up and down through fields full of vineyards, green hills dotted with cypresses and lonely monuments, scented olive groves, and little countryside villages. This is the Chianti vineyards sub-region where the most precious variety of Chianti wine is cultivated and produced, thanks to its clay-like and hard sandstone soil.
At the very border between Florence and Siena, Chianti Classico sub-region overlaps the oldest area of Chianti winemaking. It was officially delimited by the Medicis as far back as 1716, and it is acclaimed to be the cradle of the finest Chianti Classico. It includes four villages: Greve, Radda, Gaiole and Castellina, which all added “in Chianti” at the end of their names for this reason.
If you want to discover the amazing Florence wine country, have a Chianti Classico wine tasting and enjoy the beautiful panoramas of Chianti vineyards and hills, you can even do it on a day tour. Browse our proposals, choose your town of departure in Tuscany, and be ready for your unforgettable Chianti experience!
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