CHIANTI CLASSICO

Is the original medieval name for the military league of the communities of Castellina, Gaiole and Radda. Today, however, the Chianti Classico is the embodiment of a true epicentre of cultural, gastronomical, viticultural and agricultural pleasures.

The main artery of this core area is the Via Chiantigiana which joins the wonderful cities of Siena and Florence. This lifeline strings together picturesque little towns, impressive fortresses and beautiful mansions as well as unforgettable restaurants and vineyards, all embedded in a purely fascinatingly beautiful landscape.

The hamlet of Rietine is located on a soft slope of 400 to 450 m above sea level, surrounded by melodious and well-known names such as Castello di Brolio, Castello di Cachiano and Rocca di Castagnoli, and is doubtlessly one of the best locations in the whole Chianti Classico.

Rietine, belonging to Gaiole in Chianti,was already settled by the Etruscans and later by the Romans. It is therefore not surprising that both dynasties had a lasting effect on the region’s culture, architecture, gastronomy and viticulture. In the Middle Ages Florence and Siena fought over the dominance of this area and made it the stage of many of the Borgias’ and Medicis’ intrigues and dealings. Later, the name of this warlike alliance was extended to ever-greater areas. Numerous settlements and villages, fortresses and castles were erected as fortification. When the times became more peaceful, they were changed into wonderful country estates and villas. In the same period, many forests were cleared to make room for olive groves and vineyards. These changes are deemed as the most important milestones of the region’s economic success and resulting international fame.