Chianti Classico wine and Florence, a long history made of traditions
The city of Florence is nestled in the heart of Italy’s famous Tuscan valleys and hills, which not only offers a picture postcard view, but some of the most sought after wines in the world. Chianti Classico wine is especially sought after, but there are plenty other exceptional wines from the districts of Mugello, Empolese and Valdarno. It is not only Florence that offers these amazing products but all over Tuscany there are a multitude of traditions and curiosities related to Chianti Classico
Learn more also about Tuscan extra virgin olive oil.
The wine doors
The production of wine in Tuscany has its roots in ancient history, mainly in the Etruscan and Roman times, with this tradition still visible in the streets of Florence. Walking through the streets of the old town you see some historical little doors in the walls of Renaissance palaces; some still have the cover and the directions of how to best pour the wine. These small outlets are what wealthy families used to sell the wines to people of the city. There is one you can find on Via delle Belle Donne, but I’ll leave you the task of finding the others.
Chianti Classico and the legendary history of the Black Rooster
The most famous of Tuscan wines, even amongst the Italians is the Chianti Classico which is recognised for its brand which is a black rooster with the date 1716 (which is the year of ‘formalisation’ of the area by the Grand Duke). It is now an iconic logo and recognisable by all. However, not many people know that the Black Rooster trademark has been in use since the Middle Ages to mark the Chianti wine. It is also linked to an interesting story.
Already by the Middle Ages Chianti was renowned for its excellent wine, and both Siena and Florence wanted to take advantage of the great wine the area was producing. This area was right in the middle of the two rival cities, which were struggling to establish a border. To resolve the issue it was decided that on a set day two rooster crows would depart from their city to the other. The border point would be marked at the meeting point of the two. It seemed that the Sienese had a white rooster that was loved, pampered and well-fed, while the black cock of the Florentines was mistreated, underfed and plucked. So on this day of the challenge the disadvantaged black cock crowed well before dawn and didn’t cover as much distance as the white crow. This explains why the territory of florentine Chianti region is much larger than that of Siena.
The tradition of the Carro Matto
If you come to visit Florence in the fall do not miss the arrival of the Carro Matto (the mad cart), on the fourth Sunday of the month. It is a historical commemoration celebrating new wine and the link between Florence and its province. The Carro Matto is an old cart full of over 3000 bottles which are used every year for the manifestation of Bacco Artigiano in Rufina. The wine celebrated in Rufina is then brought to Florence by the Carro Matto, where it is blessed by the Archbishop and offered to the people of the city. This is a reenactment of the traditional wine offerings in the countryside of the Florentine Republic.
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Chianti Classico and Vinaini in Florence
If you want to buy the Chianti Classico in Florence you should go to the first floor of the central market, to the official Gallo Nero wine shop, where you can taste the wine by the glass poured and explained by a sommelier.
If you want to drink a glass of red wine, and accompany it with a sandwich filled with Tuscan salami you’ll find the best places in Vinaini of Florence. They are usually small shops that serve street food and drinks in the street. Here are some that are definitely worth a visit:
- I Due Fratellini – Via dei Cimatori 38r – it is three euros to eat in the street, where you can admire the statues outside the nearby church of Orsanmichele.
- Il Bufalo Trippone – in via dell’Anguillara. As tiny as friendly and authentic.
- All’Antico Vinaio – Via de Neri 74 – These sandwiches are large and substantial (my favorite is the one with the raw sausage, if you are not afraid of salmonella give it a try!) You can also serve the wine yourself!
