A simple pages and pictures
ensemble
to show you some of the unknow resources
of the gorgeous Chianti
The market square of Greve in Chianti
see the video on greve and Panzano
The natural
growth of castle communities led to their generaI transfer to the vaIleys and to
the consequent development of new settlements on more suitable flat land. The
little town of Greve in Chianti, which lies in the valley of the river after
which it is named, clearly originated in this way during the XIII-XIV centuries.
Two neighbouring castle communities, Montefioralle and Montegonzi, situated on
the top of their respective hills, contributed to the birth of Greve in Chianti.
The former could no longer contain its growing population whilst the latteI was
destroyed by the Florentines in one of the many campaigns against the powerful
Lords of the Greve VaIley. Other settlements such as Uzzano and Convertoie,
developed in a similar way on the opposi te side of the valley. Two other
factors made the site ideal for further
expansion of this small centre; the presence of one of the fastest flowing Greve
tributaries (the Montefioralle Gorge) and the fact that it lies on the shortest
route for reaching the Upper Arno ValIey (Figline, S. Giovanni). Since it was
almost equidistant between Florence and Siena, Iying between the Amo and EIsa
vaIleys, Greve in Chianti grew up in the XIV and XV centuries as a centre of
commerce. In earIy historical records it is referred to as «Mercatale a Greve»
(Market of Greve) and as the seat of the Greve VaIley «podestą» (which
comprised the «Leagues» of the Greve
and Cintoia valleys). The oldest part of the town is to be found around the
market place. The originai structure remained intact until the XIX
cen-tury. In 1745 Greve in Chianti numbered just 222 inhabitants and was smaller
than Panzano Montefioralle, Lamole, Lu colena and Cintoia. Only after the unification
of Italy did the old market town become the most important centre in the valley
Villa
of Calcinaia Near Greve
.Querceto
Castle and its own wine label
Castello di Querceto
The 180 hectares of the farm are in the Dudda area and include suggestive wood area
mainly made of chestnut-trees and oak-trees. Castello di Querceto, having Longobard
origins, was the residence of the Pitti family and we know that as late as in 1427 it was cited by Coppo di Bindo Canigiani.
lt is one of the 33 farms that in 1924 founded the Chianti Classico Consortium. Vineyards and olive-trees aIe placed as
high as 350 and 400 metres, with a special exposition and on soils with a definite
aptitude.
That is why its production is better expressed through Crus, reduced parts oi vineyard whose yield has a special character and a remarkable quality level. A modern technology makes possible to obtain
from these excellent raw materials wines of great size, which complete their
aging in barrels.
Under the fire-bricks vaults of the old cellars there are oak-wood barrels and barriques, which give the wines
of Castello the aristocratic elegance and velvet tonality which are their mark.
The base product of the farm, the Chianti Classico Castello di Querceto, is supplemented by the various Crus, red wines made
both with traditional and innovative grapes: La Corte, Il Picchio, Il Querciolaia and Cignale.
But, the range of Castello includes many more interesting wines, excellent distillates and a
very fine pure olive oil.
Verrazzano
Castle and its wine label
Castello di Verrazzano
The castle of Verrazzano is placed at the top
of a hill in the area between Florence and Siena, in the earth of Chianti Classico, the
first wine are in the world delimited by an Official Notification (Cosimo de' Medici 1716). His position
dominating the Valley of Greve, which was previously stra- tegicly and militarily important, today enables to control its own vineyards which spread like a
fan from its slopes down to the edge of the wood below. The castle was an Etruscan and
than Roman installation before passing to the Verrazzano. Giovanni da
Verrazzano was bom there in 1485, he was the discoverer of the New York bay
and the majority of the American coasts. In New York the a bridge, the longest
campata is dedicated to him.
The Castle which during the centuries had its ups and downs has recovered its
antique spledour thanks to the patient work oi the present owner Cavaliere Luigi
Cappellini. The wine tradition is very intense bere. These has been famous since 1170 (manuscript at the
Badia of Passignano).
The farm belongs to the Consorzio del gallo Nero Since 1924, year of its foundation,
efforts at the Castle have been aimed at high quality products. In the spirit of
continuing tradition, production includes Chianti Classico D.O.C.G. wines, designer
tables wines, vinsanto, grappa, olive oil, aspretto and the characteristic
"millefiori" honey with its distinct lavender scent. Among recent products, one
well-worth secalling is a 1985 Chianti Classico reserve called "Cinquecentenario".
Vicchimaggio
castle and its wine label
Castello di Vicchiomaggio
The origjns of castello Vicchiomaggio can be traced to the year 957 AD, when it was built by the Longobards. Its name in that period was Vicchio dei Longobardi. Strategically placed on the crest of a hill, it was the first bastion of defence for Florence, when at war with Siena in the Middle Ages and it is part of florentine history. The castle took on its present form and name during the Renaissance, when it was used for spring festivities mainly in the month of may (May=Maggio, thus Vicchio- maggio). The castle is otficially recognized as a "Monumento Nazionale", an italian national monument, due to its great histo- rical interest. Its garden offers unrivalled views ot the Chianti Hills and Greve Valley. Visitors will find the castle perfectly renovated. The castle is secluded yet only 20 km tram Florence and just 38 from Siena, it can be easily reached from any direction. World renowned wine is produced here in very limitated quantities. Visitors can explore the corridors under the castle and admire the magnificent barrels and hundreds bottles peacefully ageing. Wine and olive oil can be purchased at special prices in the estate shop "Cantinetta San Jacopo". Wines produced are "Chianti Classico" and "Tuscan table wine". In the imposing renaissance ball-rooms of the castle can be served fuI l meals based on traditional recipes. The restaurant of the castle offers the chance to taste originaI dishes in an idyllic setting.
WINE FEAST OF GREVE IN CHIANTI
Near Greve you have an interesting natural resource:
The San Michele mountain natural park
A natural park on a mountain 892 meters above sea level.
How to reach Greve in Chianti from Barberino Val d'Elsa
From Barberino go to Tavarnelle Val di Pesa and Follow the signalization to Sambuca Val di Pesa, from Sambuca Val di Pesa follow the signalizations to Badia a Passignano then continue following the signalization to Greve in Chianti.
Let's cut a
track: (Where do
you want to go)
Start point (To the first page-Index)
Introduction (To the Introduction)
Who am I (Presentation)
The Chianti Region (Secret and famous treasure)
Excursions (My excursions on the land)
Accomodations (Where you can stay)