With millennia of viticultural tradition the Chianti region is a must-visit destination for any wine connoisseur.
The first officially defined wine region in Italy, recognized since 1716, Chianti is known all over the world and enjoyed on its own or as the perfect accompaniment to the regional dishes.
The territory was originally inhabited by the Etruscans, an ancient civilization predating the Romans, who became the first to cultivate grapes in the rich soil of the rolling hills. With centuries of conflict after the fall of the Roman empire, the region would once again begin to gain notoriety in the 12th century with the rise of families such as th Ricasoli and Antinori began producing wine in the region. Both of these still distribute wine today and it’s easy to imagine their products being sold from the famous wine windows on their respective family palazzi in Florence to this day!
Between legend and history: the origin of the black rooster
The black rooster has been used as a symbol for Chianti since the formation of the Lega Chianti, a military-political alliance, in the 14th century, which is also the first time the term ‘Chianti’ was used in an official document referring to wine which underlines the high quality of red wine produced in the region
The legendary origin story of the use of the symbol tells the tale of when Florence and Siena, historical enemies, were competing for control over the region which was considered to be a strategic territory in between the two city states. The dispute was to be ended by having two knights from the respective cities race to meet and the point at which they met would delineate the border. To create a fair race they would both depart at dawn with the first crowing of the rooster. The knight from Siena chose a white rooster which was fed believing that this would increase its strength and that it would crow louder in the morning. The Florentine knight chose a black rooster which was not fed for several days. Because of its restless hunger the black rooster began to crow as soon as it was freed allowing the Florentine knight to depart first and gain more territory. The two knights met just 12 km from Siena, annexing almost the entire region to the Florentine Republic.
By the 18th century Chianti wine was being exported as far as England, requiring the Grand Duke Cosimo III to issue decrees in 1716 that solidified the borders for production, and surveyed the production, shipping and quality of the product.
Mmega Experiences: A private and exclusive wine tour in Chianti
It doesn’t matter if you are a wine lover or if you just want to enjoy a relaxing day immersed in the wonderful landscapes of the Tuscan countryside, alternating between excellent wine tasting and visiting small villages with medieval charm: the Chianti region and its wines are the ideal companions for an unforgettable experience!
Outside the circuit of large commercial wineries and mass tourism, we are happy to design your own EExclusive Chianti Wine Experience by accompanying you in discovering the best and most characteristic family-run boutique wineries in the area. Small productions of top-quality wines, direct relationship with the owners, scents and sensations that tell the story of their territory, family traditions and wine making techniques used and… breath-taking landscapes and great food!
These will be the main elements around which we will build the perfect and exclusive wine experience for you!
Looking to stay in Chianti?
Villa Radda is located in the countryside of Gaiole in Chianti. The property is accessed through a short tree-lined path, along which you can admire a wonderful panorama of the surrounding landscape.
The villa boasts a large private garden (4,000 sqm) on 3 sides, decorated with many ancient jars, plants and flowers.
At guests’ disposal also a lovely swimming pool (8 x 4 m, open from 1st June to the end of September), a dining table and a barbecue, perfect for tasty grills with friends.
The owner of the villa is a wine producer so you can book a visit to his cellars with a wine tasting
Villa la Corte is located near Greve in Chianti, in the splendid Chianti countryside.
Surrounded by 10 hectares of olive groves, vineyards and gardens, the property dates back to the 12th century and boasts a large veranda equipped with a dining table, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Tuscan landscape.
Among the outdoor spaces you will also find a lounge area, ideal to relax while reading a book or sipping a glass of wine, and a suggestive stone-lined pool (14 x 4.2 x 2.3 m), with sunbeds, shade umbrellas, a wet bar, and external shower.
Moreover at guests’ disposal there is ample private parking, a bowling green, a fenced tennis court (Astroturf), a gym with exercise equipment, weights, and a ping pong table. Equipment for all of these is provided. Children can also enjoy the enclosed trampoline.
The villa is a short walk to a path that leads to extensive walking/biking trails along the Fiume Pesa.
Mmega has a vast number of villas available to rent for your vacation so please do not hesitate to reach out for more information.