Chianti, Anyone?

Because we had recently “done” the Florence museums, we decided to spend the Sunday before the wedding taking a tour of Chianti Wine Region in Tuscany. Unfortunately, the tours were sold out. We were flabbergasted (not that the tours were sold out), dumbfounded even, when our nephew Ryan offered to rent a car for the day and be the designated driver. Why? Have you seen the way the Italians drive? Ryan fit right in–When in Florence. Ryan had no fear maneuvering the tiny, twisty streets of  Florence all the while looking at his iPhone for directions.

Contrasting with Florence’s touristy uproar  were Tuscany’s green rolling hills and orderly rows of growing grapes that blanketed our eyes and ears with soothing scenic silence. Our destination goal was Barone Ricasoli, the oldest winery in the Chianti Classico area. Ryan is very goal oriented, but we persuaded him to slow down and smell the grapes. Passing many less ancient, smaller wineries, we chose Le Miccine winery for our first samples of the day. A young Canadian lass doing an internship at the winery poured the yummy tasting. Even more soothed, we continued on to Barone Ricasoli.

Penelope at Le Miccine Winery

Ryan and Liberty at the entrance of Barone Ricasoli

Sunday May 27th, we had the luck of the Italian. First this was a special Sunday at Barone Ricasoli (pronounced Ree Ka So Lee) Winery. The reserve Gran Selezione wines which ordinarily were not available for the tastings were being served. So velvety and smooth, these Chianti wines were our favorites so far. Even luckier, only a few times a year the winery is available for an unreserved tour, and this was the day. Not only the oldest, it is the largest winery in the Chianti Classico area. Very state of the art, the tour unveiled enormous rooms for bottling and storing the wines and elegant meeting rooms along with a vintage bicycle collection.

Up the hill about two kilometers is the Brolio Castle which has been in the Brolio family since the 11th century. Be sure and drive all the way to the top. There is a 5 euro entrance fee to view the gardens and the chapel. Historically, the castle has been attacked numerous times over the centuries and rebuilt. The latest reconstruction by Bettino Ricasoli was in 1832, and it is still used as a private residence for his descendants.  Bettino Ricasoli is famous for creating the recipe for the red Chianti Classico wine in the 19th century with Sangiovese as the foundation and only 20% allowed for other grape varieties . We strolled the gardens and the outer walls of the castle. The breathtaking views are definitely worth the price of admission.

View from the Brolio castle

Brolio Castle walls

But the day was not yet over. Again we were in luck–the Radda Wine Festival takes place the last weekend in May, the very Sunday we visited. For 15 euros you receive your wine glass which gives you access to over 30 wineries lining the narrow walkways in the town center. My appreciation for Chianti deepened with each sip. Ryan, ever the designated driver, limited his sips. I have a new appreciation for the wines of Chianti, but my theory is you must be there to experience it.

Radda Wine Festival

Time to wind our way home. With much respect, admiration and gratitude for Ryan’s driving expertise, Ryan provided the perfect concierge Chianti tour.

Brolio Castle

Read the List of Ten for Florence