Tuscany
Tuscany or “Toscana”- is a region in central Italy with an area of about 8,900 square miles. and a population of about 3.8 million people. The regional capital is Florence and is a quick 45 drive from there, we were picked up for this tour at the Florence Bus Terminal. Tuscany is known for its landscapes, history, artistic legacy, and its influence on high culture. Tuscany is also known for its foods and wines, including Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino di Scansano, Brunello di Montalcino and white Vernaccia di San Gimignano. For this trip we focussed on the wine and of all the wines we focused on Chianti. We did also have some bread and enjoyed olives along the way.
Gladiator- this was all I could think about when we were looking out into the fields and visiting these astonishing farms.
The grape fields- You can tell there are different plantings in the fields.
Aging the wine- Is usually and mostly done in oak barrels but for some select wines clay pots are used to give a different taste.
Chianti- If your bottle does not have this label it is not the real deal. This label certifies that the property and the grapes are exactly what they claim to be and are grown in the Chianti region.
The olives trees -are ready to pick when they reach a dark purple. The olives go hand in hand with the grapes for both growing purposes and for financial stability. Grapes are grown throughout the world and all though the Chianti grapes are special, olives cannot be grown everywhere and there is money to be made from them.
Guided Tour-This was our tour guide Mara, she was very knowledgeable, sweet and beautiful. She made the day a great experience. You can go on your own and maybe you should go back alone but having a guide for your first visit is the smart move so you some introductions and get the lay of the land. For 50 euro you learn a lot and come out way ahead.
Tuscany Wine Region Map- Courtesy of https://www.pinterest.com/pin/23784704258355610/
Maps of Tuscany Region- Courtesy of https://www.dansenfeesten.nl
