Florence and the beautiful hills of Chianti

21-07-2021 | Destination

Written by: Duetorrihotels

Taste becomes the protagonist of your sensory journey, to discover the aromas and flavours of Tuscan cuisine! From Florence to Chianti, every corner of Tuscany can be a sweet discovery of culinary gems and centuries-old traditions.

The beautiful hills of Chianti

Tuscany, symbol of elegance (and pleasure...)

The food and wine journey begins in Florence with the Mercato Centrale in the San Lorenzo district, near the Medici Chapel and Michelangelo's tomb. In this picturesque and chaotic market you will learn the secrets of typical Tuscan recipes: from "crostini" to "ribollita", passing by "pappa al pomodoro", tripe and "lampredotto". After a tasting of local products, our gastronomic journey continues towards the hills surrounding the city. The Bernini Palace's Concierge will be happy to organise transfers in a chauffeur-driven car to ensure maximum comfort. The rolling hills of Tuscany are the perfect combination of nature and the 'fruits' of wine cultivation. It is well known that Tuscany is the birthplace of some of Italy's finest red wines such as Chianti, the famous Brunello di Montalcino, Sangiovese and Morellino... all of which are engagingly drinkable and delightfully enjoyable.

Magical arrival in the hills

Inebriated by the scent of must and captivated by the verdant spectacle of the hills dotted with kilometres of vineyards and olive groves, as well as medieval villages, your Food & Wine tour can continue to Greve, considered the gateway to Chianti, the beginning of a succession of medieval villages and towns where you can learn about and encounter the history and tradition of wine-making.
It is here that it will be possible to delight in the tasting of one of Italy's most famous wines. It will be possible to embark on a real journey into the world of Chianti with a member of the family and visit his cellar as well as taste the excellent wine produced. The numerous awards that Tuscan wines win every year testify to the high quality constancy that the producers maintain from generation to generation. The conviviality and joy that the winegrowing families know how to express will draw you into a whirlwind of sensations that goes beyond the classic tasting, making you feel part of a family.

Montalcino, theatre of a thousand battles

Travelling through the Tuscan hills, a little further south, beyond Siena, we come to another landmark on the Italian wine scene, Montalcino. It is a small town around which the production of Brunello revolves, and a visit to the enchanting medieval village is a must. Montalcino was strategically important throughout the Middle Ages, to the point that Siena and Florence came to an armed clash to dominate this territory. It was Siena that came out on top after a long battle with the sword, but the only thing that dominates today are the colourful vineyards that can be seen from Brunello's Merlato castle. Here you can enjoy a fantastic glass of this amazing wine, taking in the timeless panorama or chatting amiably with the owners of local shops, custodians of the noblest Tuscan traditions.

Back to Florence...

The route can be concluded by returning to Florence to savour the queen of Tuscan cuisine: the Fiorentina rib-eye steak. The history of this meat is as old as the city itself. During the Medici era, the Florentines used to roast cuts of meat on large bonfires, lit on the occasion of the patron saint, San Lorenzo. The uniqueness of the cut comes mainly from the 'scottona' or 'vitellone' and must always contain the classic 'T-bone' between the fillet and sirloin parts. Art and profound knowledge of Tuscan meat come together to enhance the flavour of this typical local delicacy. At the end of the dinner, returning to the Hotel Bernini Palace in a private car, you will have the feeling of having experienced a day made exceptional by the small details.