Everyone has heard of it: Chianti is a fine wine produced mostly in the Tuscanian hinterland, and it’s one of top wines in Italy and the world [discover the ideal hotel for you holidays in Chianti].

What is still unknown by the majority is its ancient history, dating back to the the early 18^th century, when Grand Duke of Tuscany Cosimo de’ Medici III subdued the region between Siena and Firenze to the production of Classic Chianti, that took its name and its distinctive emblem, the black rooster, symbolic of the product originality.

What makes Chianti a unique wine is the Sangiovese grapes, harvested according to tradition. Where to go, then, to taste the most authentic Chianti wine? While the so called ‘Classic Chianti’ area has grown rapidly over its original dimension, this blogpost will guide you through the three small centres at the heart of Classical Chianti.

1. Radda in Chianti

Radda in Chianti is a place for those who love good wine and nature. You will discover an ancient burg, austere yet cozy in its atmospheres, located in a small hill between the Arbia and Pesa valleys. Shielded by imposing walls, Radda is made by narrow alleys that gather in the village’s main square, punctuated with wineries and good restaurants. All around you will discover nature, ancient castles and Roman churches. [Photocredit: flickr creative commons].

2. Castellina in Chianti

Walking along Via delle Volte, with its many wineries and artisans workshops, Castellina in Chianti unveils the perimeter of its old walls, guarding its historical centre. The path is marked by breath-taking sights of the Chianti region, which opens up to the eye from the walls’ ancient embrasures. Castellina in Chianti is a reflective place, made up of fascinating traditions and intense flavours. [Photocredit: Flikr creative commons].

3. Gaiole in Chianti

Third and last stop toward the discovery of Classic Chianti region is Gaiole in Chianti, located along the Massellone creek. Historically a travelling route, now a place of magical atmosphere in which you can taste the specialities of the local wineries and enjoy gorgeous surroundings, between nature and castles. [Photocredit: Flickr cretive commons].

Summer… Craving for holiday!

Tuscany is certainly one of the most appreciated by tourists:  who has never wanted to run among its rolling hills, to wander among his vineyards or along the ancient walls of its medieval villages, or to experience the magic of Florence…  or even, to attend one of the many events and commemorations that date back to ancient times?

 

If you are planning a holiday in Tuscany in August, we suggest you some events:
 

•    July 30rd , august 2nd - Effetto Venezia 2015 (Livorno)

•    August, 9th – Palio di San Cassiano (San Casciano dei Bagni)

•    August, 10th - Calici di Stelle – (Montepulciano)

•    July, 12th – August 24th Festival Puccini (Torre del Lago, Viareggio)

•    August, 16th Palio di Siena (Siena)

•    August, 21st Cantine in piazza (Montepulciano)

•    August, 22nd-30th - Bravìo delle botti - (Montepulciano)
 

For yout stay in Tuscany, here are some Hotels suggested for the month of August 2015:


Il Falconiere **** (Cortona)

La Bagnaia Resort Tuscan Living Golf Spa ***** (Siena)

Villa Armena Relais (Buonconvento, Siena)

Resort Baia Scarlino (Scarlino, Grosseto)

Castel Monastero ***** (Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena)

Check out the “Offers” section or contact the staff of CharmingTuscany.com.

Despite the fact that the beautiful Renaissance city of Florence seems to be, in itself, a vast open air museum, there are a large number of actual museums to visit; each one containing fascinating artistic, sculptural and scientific masterpieces.
But where do you start?
In no particular order, here’s our list of the top ten must-see museums in Florence.

Photo Credits: lindsaygustave

1. What is one of the main reasons that tourists visit Florence? The Uffizi Gallery of course. While originally created as a building for judiciary offices, the structure is now home to one of the oldest and most famous art museums in Europe. This explosion of 13th to 18th century Renaissance pieces by the likes of Botticelli, da Vinci and Caravaggio will astound and amaze you like no art gallery has done before. Beware the long lines; try and book in advance.

2. Another well-known Florentine gallery is the Academia; the original result of the many local drawing schools being united during the 18th century. While there are many works by great artists here, the main attraction is undoubtedly Michelangelo’s David sculpture; one of the most recognised works of the Renaissance era.

Photo Credits: muchabarba

3. Continuing with the theme of grand museums, make sure that the Pitti Palace is on your list. This enormous palace actually houses several museums, including the Porecelain museum and Costume Gallery. Built in the 15th century, it’s a truly incredible structure. Don’t miss the elegant Boboli Gardens at the rear of the property; you could spend hours wandering around here.

4. The Palazzo Vecchio, which was a great symbol of Florentine civic power, was built toward the end of the 13th century and has benefitted from several splendid restorations. Overlooking the Piazza della Signoria, it’s home to numerous courtyards and frescoed rooms filled with artwork and statues; don’t miss the imposing Salone dei Cinquecento.

Photo Credits: camicimini

5. Here’s another smaller, yet no less important art gallery to check out- the Bargello Musuem (or National Museum). This is a good option for those of you who want to avoid the massive, Uffizi-scale crowds, yet still wish to see some incredible art. Containing sculptures by the likes of Michelangelo and Donatello, here you can find a wonderful collection of Gothic and Renaissance styles.

6. It’s not all about art you know! Head to the Museo di Storia della Scienza (Museum of the history of science) to see how the Renaissance period was just as important for the development of science as it was for art and sculpture. Here you can see a great collection of scientific instruments, including those used by Galileo.

7. The Medici were the most prominent and powerful family in Florence’s history, and luckily for us, they left behind a vast collection of valuable jewellery, vases and clocks. You can see these treasures in the elegant, frescoed rooms of the Museo degli Argenti.

8. And now for something completely different! La Specola, or Museum of Natural History, is also home to more Medici family collections, but there are no vases in sight here. Next to the Pitti Palace you’ll find this museum, which contains 34 zoological themed rooms and 10 rooms which are dedicated to fascinating (and perhaps a little strange) anatomic waxes.

Photo Credits: Ferragamo.com

9. If you’re keen on fashion, then look no further than the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, located in the Palazzo Spini Feroni. The famous designer’s talent is showcased here by means of impressive drawings, sketches, photos and a gigantic shoe collection.

10. Finally, the façade of the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo may not be grand or intimidatingly beautiful, but inside you will find a impressive collection of sculptures, by the likes of Michelangelo and Donatello (did you expect any less?), that were previously in Florence’s Duomo (Cathedral).

For your stay check the selection of the best hotels in Florence.

How to fall in love with the charming walled town of Lucca!

Being an enthusiastic Italian language student, who is oh-so-susceptible to the irresistible charms of Italy, I find myself traveling again and again nel bel Paese. I can’t help myself!

I go crazy for the Caravaggios, the rustic earth toned buildings, the juicy red tomatoes, the creamy pastas, the hearty chiantis, as well as the chiming bells and the cheerful multicolored ceramics.

I love all the things that make Italy, well, Italy!

But, I have to say that some of my most memorable moments I have spent in Italia have been the times when I am in a bar sipping a cappuccino, or in an out door caffè or enjoying a glass of wine chatting with local folks in their own language. In this way I have made many friendships and my travel experiences in Italy are more meaningful.

Having traveled up and down the Italian boot from Milano to Lecce, I find Italy to be a warm and friendly place and it isn’t hard to engage the locals in a conversation. And yet, there is a small town I have discovered, that simply exudes historic charm and where the people are especially delightful and willing to help you with your Italian.
I am talking about the lovely Tuscan town of Lucca!
 

Lucca, just an hour west of Florence and only twenty minutes by train from Pisa, embraces you immediately with her medieval walls & tree lined paths. She draws you in the moment you pass through one of her impressive portals and you immediately feel safe and at home.
 

Where to sleep? Browse the selection of the best Hotels in Lucca>>

Originally the city was built by the Etruscans and later inhabited by the Romans. As you wander from Piazza S. Michele, built in the spot of the original Roman Foro, to stroll down via Fillungo now popular for it’s shopping, ancient history is revealed in the very stones of Lucca. This is no more evident than in the curvature of the walls of Piazza dell’Anfiteatro.
Once home to Roman games, now it is a social gathering spot, popular for its music festivals and where some of the city’s best spritzs and shakeratos are served.
 

Restaurants are plentiful in Lucca and you won’t want to miss tasting a bowl of “farro” / barley soup or a plate of Lucchessi tortellini served with a rich meat sauce. Lucca is also well known for its “sformati” or vegetable pies and of course its “Buccellato”, a typical sweet cake filled with raisins and aniseed, that is only made in this medieval town.

Lucca is less touristy and certainly less crowded than Florence.

As a result you will have a more authentic experience visiting the town that is the historic birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini. It is also home to several Romanesque churches - San Martino and San Michele, similar in style to Pisa’s iconic Duomo and bell tower. Climbing la torre Guinigi, the tallest medieval tower in Lucca (and the only one with trees growing out of its top) you will have a spectacular bird’s eye view of the city and the Garfagnana, the mountains to the north of Lucca.
 

But, the thing that makes Lucca incredibly unique are the walls that encircle the city.
Originally built by the Romans, they were later enlarged and fortified with great mounds of earth in the 1500’s to fend off attacks by the Medicis of Florence.
The walls never saw battle and were demilitarized by Napoleon. In the 18th century Louisa Bourbon, with the help of her royal architect, turned the walls into magnificent tree lined boulevard.

Today it is a playground for the Lucchesi and a perfect place to go for a jog, walk a dog or pedal a bike.
It is also a relaxing place to sit on a park bench and listen to Italian conversation flow all around you as you bask in the glow of a perfect Tuscan afternoon... and fall in love with the charming walled town of Lucca!


Things to see in Lucca
Puccini’s Birthplace
Giugnigi Tower
Walls of Lucca - rent bikes and go for a spin around the walls
Anifiteatro
San Martino
San Michele
Via Fillungo
Domus Romana Museum (Historical overview of city walls with models)
Festival della Santa Croce (september 13)
 

Photo Credits: studentessamatta.com

This is a guest post written by Melissa:
Melissa Muldoon is an American and the woman behind the STUDENTESSA MATTA ITALIAN LANGUAGE LEARNING INITIATIVE. Having self taught herself the Italian language, she now promotes the study of the Italian Language & Culture through her blog site as well as through Italian Language Immersion trips in Italy. She writes the Studentessa Matta blog in Italian & English to exercise & flex language skills. The blog explores various aspects of Italian culture & current events in a light and humorous way, as well as features language learning tips, websites, videos & articles that are helpful to obtaining fluency. She also produces the podcast “Tutti Matti per l’Italiano” which feature clips of native Italian speakers. She has a Masters in Art History and is also a graphic designer. Melissa has just returned from Lucca where she spent eleven days immersing in language & culture with a group she organized with Lucca Italian School. The Matta Immersion program in Lucca will be repeated in September 2015 (11-22). Visit www.studentessamatta.com for details. Andiamo a Lucca!
 

Where to sleep? Browse the selection of the best Hotels in Lucca>>

If you have any question for Melissa, post a comment and follow her on Facebook & Twitter!

Florence: Contemporary Global Lifestyle

The first big event in Florence of 2014 is taking place right now: Pitti Uomo 85 | 7-10 January 2014

Photo Credits: superduperhats

Pitti Uomo 85 is "The world’s most important platform for men’s clothing and accessory collections and for launching new projects in men’s fashion”.

If you are not in the nearby, we remind you that the fashion fair Pitti Uomo takes place every year in the fascinating Fortezza da Basso. This is a unique chance for a short break in Florence, not only because of the catwalk show for spring/summer 2014, but also for the several concerts and exhibitions organized all around Florence.

The theme for the January rendezvous is "Rock me Pitti”, a tribute to the music that lives in fashion …and vice versa!

For the diary of these 3-days Italian fashion event, let the pictures speak for themselves. We have collected the best Instagram associated to the hashtags #pittiuomo85 #pittiimmagineuomo #rockmepitti.
 

Shared with us your Fashion Photos, we will add them to our photo diary!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter e Instagram!

 

Top 5 foods you must eat in Tuscany

As well as being famous for its beautiful landscape, historically significant cities and impressive selection of world-famous wines, Tuscany is also renowned for its delicious cuisine.

It’s fair to say that in Tuscany, like the rest of Italy, si mangia bene – you eat well.
Tuscan food is typically very fresh, full of depth and simply bursting with flavour.

Choose a gourmet hotel in Tuscany >

From chicken liver crostini to tasty extra virgin olive oil, Pecorino cheese to hearty bean and vegetable soups; there’s something to tempt you here in Tuscany.

If you are a pasta fan, try the typical Tuscan pasta pappardelle; made using eggs and delicious served with local mushrooms. Vegetarians will be at home here too, as Tuscan cooking puts locally grown produce to good use in soups and stews.
And for those with a sweet tooth? Dip some crunchy cantucci  biscuits into a glass of Tuscan dessert wine…there are plenty of these wines to choose from!

A fundamental part of any region’s cuisine is, of course, its bread.
In Tuscany, bread is somewhat particular, in that it is missing one seemingly vital ingredient: salt! Pane Toscano is traditionally saltless, and it has been this way for a very long time. While it is sometimes said that the bread is this way because there used to be heavy taxes on salt in the past, it is more widely believed that it doesn’t contain salt due to the fact that a great number of Tuscan dishes are highly seasoned.

The bread serves to ‘balance out’ all of these strongly flavoured foods,which include strong cheeses and salty cured meats.  Talking of cheese, one of Tuscany’s most famous is Pecorino; a firm cheese made from ewe’s milk. On a visit to the town of Pienza, be sure to browse the many local-produce shops and sample some of this delicious cheese.

Tuscans are often named ‘mangia fagiolo’ or ‘bean eaters’. There is widespread use of locally grown beans in this region, and they are often cooked until they reach a nice, creamy consistency. Beans are also used in the famous ribollita; a very traditional and very hearty bean a vegetable soup. Mostly eaten in the colder months, it is made using Tuscan bread and as the name of the dish states, it is ‘reboiled’.

From lots of tasty veggies to a nice big chunk of meat; Tuscany, especially the city of Florence, is also renowned for its bistecca alla fiorentina. There are strict rules when preparing this dish: the steak must come from Chianina or Maremma cattle, it should be 4-6cm thick and must only be seasoned at the end of the cooking process. Oh yes, and it will be served very, very rare.
Many restaurants in Florence often display these impressive T-bone steaks in the restaurant windows, in order to entice people in and offer them a delicious, yet very filling eating experience!

Wherever you are in Tuscany, be sure to sample some local delicacies; washed down with a nice glass of Chianti of course!
 

Choose a gourmet hotel in Tuscany >

Relais Chateaux
Il Falconiere & Spa > (Cortona)

Il Pellicano >(Porto Ercole)
 

Conti di San Bonifacio
Wine Resort > (Gavorrano)

Photo Credits: Mathias, Gail, Amy Lucinda

Finding your way to the perfect location!
 

 Photo Credits: vincenzofoto

The vacation is one of the most anticipated times of the year and we want everything to be perfect.
The best way to ensure that everything goes well, thus lies in first of all choosing the perfect location.

Imagine it is your first holiday in Tuscany: how do you choose which place to visit?

 
 Photo Credits: flyfede

Tuscany is a large region, varied in its landscapes and tourist offers, so a basic question would be to ask oneself: what kind of vacation do I want?

A short break in which to experience the museums, the historical and artistic treasures of the art cities?
A wine and food tour, accompanied by walks through the vineyards?
Or maybe a week at the sea, discovering the Versilia and the Tuscan archipelago?

Art, sea, culture, food and wine ... If you do not already know, you will have understood it by now: Tuscany embodies the best of Italy. The only problem is: where does one start?!

 
 Photo Credits: #instatuscany

CharmingItaly.com shares its Top 10 Places To Visit in Tuscany with us – through a simple, free download. A beautiful photo and a brief description, immediately enhance the most precious sites of a location and skimming through the 12 pages of the ebook, you will definitely find many inspirations for your trip to Tuscany.

Do you agree with the Top 10 Places suggested by CharmingItaly.com?
I would have changed the order, but you know, that would not have changed the result in any way...

The Tuscany Tours

Photo Credits: Castello Banfi, Montalcino

When I mention Tuscany, most people think of it as a city, especially if they haven’t been there, but in reality Tuscany is a large region near the north of Italy that is probably one of the best wine countries to be found in Italy. And I bet most people don’t know that Pisa (like the famous tower) is located in this region, along with a more known major city of Florence. But this region isn’t just all leaning towers and wine, it actually offers some beautiful scenery, towers, walls, and plenty of little towns and hills. And most of these never get explored by those passing through the region, unless they bother to take a tour of Tuscany, luckily there are plenty to be found.

But what could you actually expect to see on these tours of the wine country?

Montepulciano and Montalcino

These are two towns with similar names and near each other, offering a wide variety of things to see or taste. 

Montepulciano is one of those small time medieval looking towns, with walls and structures still from centuries back, but don’t think that is the only thing. One of the most impressive features of Montepulciano is the clock tower. However it also comes with a bonus of having completely car-free roads and a cathedral, as well as a collection of old medieval wine cellars that are still active and viewable. This city is also widely known for its Vino Nobile wine and that you can wine taste at a castle on the edge of the town.

Montalcino is your first real touch to major wineries. In fact this hill town is mostly composed of farms and wineries mixed together which means it’s the perfect opportunity place for a continual run from vineyard to vineyard for wine tasting. For those not interested in that though, there is always a medieval fortress to take a look at, called the Chiesa di Sant’Agostino. There are also a few museums in the center area of the town and some castle ruins to check out. 

Photo Credits: ildipi

Pienza

If you hadn’t noticed by now, a more accurate depiction of Tuscany is medieval structures and plenty of hills. And although this town does have both of those, it brings an interesting aspect to this tour: utopia. At least that was what Pienza was originally built to be, which is why it offers a quaint view of the world and most of all their famous cheese, pecorino. You’ll find some palaces instead of specifically medieval focus, but once again one of the more interesting spots is a cathedral with a bell tower, though the previous bell tower was just a tower and not connected with a cathedral. 

Photo Credits: charitablecharm

Pisa

Everyone k nows probably the most famous structure of Pisa, the leaning tower. But considering there has already been plenty of discussion on towers we can focus on what else is found in the city at the intersection of two rivers. And one of the attractions? Plenty of museums can be found in this medieval structure city. In fact there are so many museums that one of them even has a cemetery that you can visit, connected to it. You’ll also find plenty of churches and most of all (because I like the name) the Knight’s Square, which was the medieval main square, unlike the current one that now exists. It boasts a wonderful university and it is where you’ll find the libraries, which is probably why it has become the center of education for Tuscany. 
 

Of course this is only a piece of what the Tuscany region can offer, and there is so much in this region that you really can’t get it all done in one day, but you can still get a taste of a lot of it, kind of like going around tasting from wineries, except you are sipping a bit of Tuscany with each stop. 
 

This is a guest post written by Sarah Murphy:
Sarah Murphy has worked in Dublin for the last two years as a blogger, web content manager and marketing coordinator. A journalist by training and traveler by nature, she frequently travels to Italy for the business and pleasure of Touring Florence, where she mostly spends her time scavenging the ruins or gallivanting across the countryside.
 

If you have any question for Sarah, post a comment and do not miss our next posts...

You have never heard of the Versilia region in Tuscany?

Neither had I, until I joined a group of bloggers for a tour organized by WishVersilia. Versilia is a hidden gem in Tuscany, best known for its marble, sea-side attractions, and luxury tourism. Let's talk about marble!

The Cervaiole Quarries

One day of the tour was dedicated to marble. We began with a visit to the Cervaiole quarries in Mount Altissimo.

Excavation of marble here began in earnest after control of the Versilia region was assigned to Florence in 1513, and the Medici commissioned Michelangelo to cover the facade of the church of San Lorenzo in Florence with marble.   Michelangelo oversaw the building of a road from Forte dei Marmi to the top of Mount Altissimo in order to access marble from the Cervaiole quarry.  The facade of San Lorenzo was never covered, but the quarry became a source of marble for important artists like Giambologna, Vasari, and others. 

In 1821, a Napoleonic official named Henraux took control of the quarry to supply the empire. After Napoleon's fall, Henraux joined Marco Borrini, a wealthy Italian, to form a company to develop and sell marble from this quarry, but Borrini's part of the company was soon transferred solely to Henraux.
Today the quarry is managed by a joint stock company that maintains the name of Henraux.

Recent artists that have gotten marble from the quarry include Arp, Miró, and Noguch.  In addition to its art-historical significance, the quarry offers a breathtaking sight and is well worth a visit. 

Levigliani

After visiting the quarry, we went to Levigliani, a small village of 300 inhabitants whose economy depends on tourism and the extraction of marble. What's fascinating about this village is the history of the community, which in 1956 organized itself under the cooperative “Condomini” to fight harsh labor conditions, re-appropriate the rights to the extraction of marble, and ensure that the work of extraction at the Corchia quarries would be given to the community and its descendants. We learned the history of this cooperative at the museum “Lavorare Liberi”. 

There are 3 museums to visit in Levigliani: the museum of work (Lavorare liberi) the museum of the quick silver mines (Argento vivo) and the museum of the folded stone (Pietra piegata). Guided tours are available for these museums and for the silver mines and for underground caves situated inside an old quarry, offering incredible views of underground marble formations. For guided tours visit www.antrocorchia.it.

Sculpting School: An Art Holiday

We concluded the topic of marble with a visit to a school of sculpture, where students can book courses at all levels of expertise during which they sculpt using local marble. Painting classes are also available.
Housed in the village of Azzano, students live near the school and work outdoors, inspired by stunning panoramas. Visit www.campo-altissimo.com. Here's a student on her first day: 

And a group of students discussing their projects: 

If you have any question and if you need further information, post a comment and do not miss our next posts...

Fall in Tuscany: sagre, festivals and local products

Tuscany is a truth festival destination due to the fact that there are many events all year round throughout the region. Many Tuscany events are concentrated during the summer, but if you come to Tuscany in October, doubtfully you will always find something interesting to experience… and to taste! The fall events are mainly dedicated to local specialties that come onto this season as truffles, wine, olive oil and chestnuts.

A special mention must be dedicated to Chianti, the wine destination par excellence. From the mid-September to October all local farms are engaged in grape and olive harvests and this is the perfect excuse to enjoy Tuscany. If you are a wine lover, you will really appreciate not only the many wine tastings and wine festivals, but you should take part in a wine or olive harvest. This is an interesting way to learn a lot about the local wine & food traditions but also about the local culture.

Suggested Hotels:

Hotel Le Fontanelle >(Pianella)

Castel Monastero >(Castelnuovo Berardenga)

Borgo Scopeto Relais >(Castelnuovo Berardenga)

Weather in Tuscany in October
Even the chance of rain is quite higher, October as well as November are good months to visit Tuscany. October is the month when the fall really starts to set in, but it still has a good percentage of sunny days. The first half of the month is usually still quite warm with temperatures that can reach a high of 20/ 27°C (68-81°F) and drop to an average low of 10 and 15°C (50-59°F). Temperatures usually cool-down in the middle of October to maximum low temperature of 10°C (50°F). 

Tuscany Events October

Festa dell’uva e del vino - Chiusi (Siena) 
Festa d'Autunno - Abbadia San Salvatore (Siena)
Lucca Comics & Games - Lucca 
Tuscany Walking Festival - 6 Natural parks and thousands of events 
Sagra della Castagna - Cortona
Sagra del Primo Olio - San Giovanni d’Asso (Siena)
Sagra del marrone e dei frutti del sottobosco - Palazzuolo sul Senio (Florence)
Festival del Turismo Medievale - Pistoia
Dolcemente - Pisa 

Where to holiday in Tuscany in October

Florence >

Siena >

Montalcino >

For specific events, it is best to contact the local tourism offices.

Share your October holiday in Tuscany and follow us on Facebook, Twitter e Instagram!

Not just Chianti

Credits: jay_pac

One of the pleasures of travelling through Tuscany is the chance to discover the unique varieties of wine produced in this region. Grapes have been grown in the fertile soil of Tuscany since ancient times and even if the best-known wine name is undoubtedly Chianti, this is only one of the many types of wine produced here.

It's tricky to describe the difference in taste and it is even more difficult to define what best wines are because it is the subjective tastes and sensibility of anyone who creates the proper answer.
So, enjoy this top list as a simple guide to grape varieties indigenous to Tuscany.

Credits: Chianti Village

1) Prugnolo gentile (also known as Sangiovese Grosso) can be traced back to the Sangioveto variety which is popular in Montepulciano and in the province of Siena. The Prugnolo Gentile/Sangiovese Grosso or "Brunello" grape is known in the areas around Montalcino and Montepulciano and is now also being cultivated in several other areas of Tuscany. Compared to the Sangiovese Piccolo, the Sangiovese Grosso has larger, more loosely bunched grapes, and thicker grape skins.
Suggested wine: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG


2) Aleatico is a red wine grape variety, often used to produce dessert wines. Probably coming from Greece, it is notable for being the primary grape in the cult wine Aleatico di Portoferraio made in Elba.
Suggested wine: Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG


3) Trebbiano Toscano is of Etruscan origin and its name was taken from the site of which they found it. The same name of ancient Etruria, near Luni, at the border between Liguria and Tuscany or the Trebbia River of the Piacentini Hills. This grape is the most widely grown variety of grapes at the national level. It is mainly grown in Tuscany, Lazio and Umbria. Trebbiano is used to be blended into Chianti Classico wines but now it goes into simpler Chiantis, such as light white wines and a variety of Vin Santo.


4) Malvasia Bianca Lunga is a wine that has been cultivated for several centuries and it is vastly grown in the Chianti hills from where it comes from. Although, this grape is used less since white grapes are no longer allowed in the Chianti Classico docg. Only a few wines take on this grape such as the traditional Tuscan dessert wine, Vin Santo (which also made with Trebbiano Toscano).
Suggested wine: Vin Santo Berardenga – Felsina  (Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC)

Suggested Hotels: 

Castello di Velona Resort
Thermal SPA & Winery >
Montalcino

Conti di San Bonifacio
Wine Resort >
Gavorrano

Castel Monastero >
Castelnuovo Berardenga
 

5) Colorino comes from some wild grape vines which are widely grown in Tuscany. Such as the area around Valdarno, Val d’Elsa and in Val di Pesa. The name of this grape is taken from the deep color of the skin of the grape. The skin is indeed thick, of a blackish to deep purple color, rich with color and flavor. Colorino is also mainly used to blend with other varieties, if for no other reason than to add a little color to the wine, as the name would suggest.
Suggested wine: Colorino IGT Toscana


6) Extensively planted in Tuscany, Canaiolo is a black-skinned grape variety that, together with Sangiovese and Colorino, it is often used to create Chianti wine. The Canaiolo is also an important (but secondary) component of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano,
Suggested wine: Pietraviva Canaiolo Nero DOC


7) Ciliegiolo is a red grape variety which comes principally from the Maremma, the coastal area of the region in the province of Grosseto. It is characterized by large, sweet, fragrant berries and, as the name suggests (ciliegiolo sounds as cherry in english), it is often used on the Tuscany coast to make bright, cherry-scented varietal wines.
Suggested wine: Ciliegiolo Tuscan Red DOC Camillo Principio


8) Sangiovese (or Sangiovese Piccolo) is one of the most ancient Italian grape varieties and is certainly one of the most widely grown. All experts agree that the grape originated in Tuscany and includes two families of grapes. The first has a grape that is more sweet and is used to make Brunello di Montalcino; the second family has a smaller grapes and are stronger and rougher. It is interesting underlined as the name, Sangiovese is derived from “sanguis Jovis” meaning “the blood of Jove (Jupiter).”
Suggested wine: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
 

Credits: Villa Armena Relais

Enjoy locally made wines during your holiday, especially since they pair wonderfully with the regional foods of Tuscany. Actually, nothing beats something fresh with the authentic quality to match!

Choose a hotel from our Gourmet and Grapes selection and discover the strong flavors of the traditional Tuscan food >


Whic is your favourite Tuscan Wine? Post a comment and do not miss our next posts.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter e Instagram!
 

A glass of wine and a hot tub with Tuscan hills view

Italy is plenty of relaxing places in the middle of the nature, where you can spend a week-end dedicated to physical and mental wellness. Tuscany is a region that offers a wide choice: in Val d'Orcia you will be able to spend a few days of real charm.

Val d'Orcia is a wide valley between the provinces of Siena and Grosseto, near the border with Umbria. Characterized by hilly landscapes famous all over the world and by so many medieval villages, in this area you’ll find some typical food and wine like Cinta Senese pork, “pecorino di Pienza” (a cheese) and Montalcino’s Brunello wine.

One of the magnificent spa villages of this valley is Bagno Vignoni, an hamlet of a few people belonging to the town of San Quirico d'Orcia. At the center of the village stands the sixteenth century’s hot spring bath: it’s rectangular and it contains a source of hot spring water steaming out of the underground aquifer of volcanic origins.

Photo Credits: Silvia Cartotto

The hotels in Bagno Vignoni and nearby offer indoor and outdoor thermal baths, where guests can relax in summer as in winter. In addition to body care, you have to remember that Bagno Vignoni offers also the excellence of the Tuscan cuisine, like the famous meat, cheese and the wines.

About wine we have to mention another village in this area: Montepulciano, famous for its vineyards that make it unique in the world. The best wineries open their doors to visitors for tastings and tours.

Photo Credits: Silvia Cartotto

Not far away there is the stone village of Pienza, a key step for anyone who is visiting Val d'Orcia.
Charming and full of history, it dominates the landscape at the top of a hill.

Photo Credits: Silvia Cartotto

Val d'Orcia has everything you are looking for a charming week-end in the heart of Italy: food, Spa and history. Let’s see these pictures: wouldn’t you want to come immediately?
So, imagine yourself already here, with a glass of wine in one hand, standing in a hot tub with a view on the Tuscan hills. Perfection exists and people in Italy know what it is.

How to reach Val d'Orcia
From Rome: take the A1 motorway towards Florence and exit at Chiusi-Chianciano, then go on to Montepulciano and Pienza. Another way is to follow the Cassia road (Via Francigena) to Viterbo, then to Bolsena.
From Florence: take the Firenze-Siena motorway, then continue on the Cassia road towards Rome until you reach Val d' Orcia.
From Grosseto: take the highway to Siena until Paganico, then to Monte Amiata and Montalcino.
 

Lucca is not the most touristic city of Tuscany: everyone goes to Florence at least once in life, or under the Pisa Tower. And people usually don’t know so much about Lucca. I think it's a quiet, orderly and liveable town...

... perfect for a weekend during the spring away from the tourist hordes. But what can you do in Lucca in a week-end?

1. Get on the Guinigi Tower, the most important in the city: on the top there are oaks, such a particular thing;
2. Have lunch or dinner in Piazza Anfiteatro, with all the colorful houses overlooking this bright and elliptical square;
3. Visit the Duomo (also called the Church of St. Martin) and the Church of San Michele in Foro, which dominates the square;
4. Wander around by foot through the narrow and quiet streets, passing a boutique and then a workshop, guided by the scent of delicatessens selling sandwiches with roast pork and local cheeses;
5. Try a piece of focaccia bread at Giusti’s bakery, which is said to be the best in town, or pizza at Pizzeria da Felice;

6. If you are here in October-November you can partecipate to the Lucca Comics & Games Festival, famous all over Italy as it is an unique event awaited by thousands fans;
7. Leave the city, go along the road to the village of Borgo a Mozzano. Here you’ll find an ancient Roman bridge, “Ponte della Maddalena”, also called the “Devil's Bridge”: taking amazing picture here is a must;
8. For an afternoon on the seaside you could go to Viareggio, in the heart of Versilia: excellent fish, a clean sea and also the nightlife typical of the summer. It will be fun!
9. Finally, returning to Lucca, come up the walls and just walk around the city: it is a different point of view and a great way to end the exploration of this charming town.
 

Lucca and its surroundings are the ideal place to spend a few days between history and art, not far from the Tuscan countryside and also near to the Versilia sea, don’t you think?

If you are looking for a place to stay at the weekend, CharmingTuscany.com suggests you this selection of hotel in Lucca!
 

PhotoCredits: Silvia Cartotto

What to do in Florence and Pisa in April? Here you are a list of events you can choose to participate during this month

1.    The bursting of the cart (called by the Florentines "Brindellone") is a traditional festival, and one of the most famous and crowded festival in Florence, which takes place on Easter Sunday (20th April this year). It is also one of the oldest traditions. What is it? A decorated cart is pulled by oxen from Piazzale di Porta al Prato to the Piazza del Duomo. Here there are hundreds of fireworks and explosions for about 20 minutes. The fires are ignited by a dove, that is a rocket with the appearance of a white pigeon: the dove must go back to the main altar, from where it has started, otherwise the harvest of the year will not have good wishes.


2.    The International Handicrafts Trade Fair is one of the largest exhibitions of handicraft products in Italy. At the Fortezza da Basso, near the station of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, you can find national and international exhibitors (24th April 24 – 1st May).
 

Suggested Hotels:

Hotel Il Salviatino >

Riva Lofts Florence >

J&J Florence >

3.    Another one of the most appreciated events by the Florentines is the White Night. Throughout the day until dawn there will be exhibitions, outdoor performances, concerts and special openings at the museums (30th April).

4.    The Kite Festival (at his 46th edition) will be on 27th April in San Miniato (near Pisa): the appointment for all “aquilonari” of Italy is at the Tower Federiciana (La Rocca). There will be the historical procession from the Palace Roffia (Conti Street), with the participation of the Company musicians and flag bearers. Finally, there will be also the throw of three hot air balloons in Piazza del Duomo, full of symbolic messages of peace to end a wonderful day, like in a fairy tale.
 

Suggested Hotels:

Bagni di Pisa Palace >(San Giuliano Terme)

 Photo Credits: Silvia Cartotto

Have you ever go to one of these events? Share with us your photos and your experience!
Visit the Special Offers dedicated to Easter 2015 , and get a discount for your holiday in Tuscany...