Anyone who enjoys a glass of wine and feels that they know the difference between their Merlot and their Shiraz should definitely consider heading to Italy’s famous wine region, Chianti.
Booking into a Tuscany villa will offer visitors a chance to explore the lovely scenery and beautiful cities in the region, as well as sampling the local cuisine, which wouldn’t be complete without a glass of the local wine.
When it comes to wines, there are a lot of subtle differences between not only different grapes but also different
vineyards and producers.
If you struggle to tell one Chianti from another then booking a holiday villa in Tuscany could be the way to go. You can travel between the vineyards at your leisure, learning the difference between the wines from all the growing zones.
There are several of these throughout Tuscany, with each vineyard producing Chianti wines with subtle distinctions.
While Chianti is predominantly made from the Sangiovese grape, variations are made which can include up to 15 per cent of Merlot, Syrah or Cabernet sauvignon.
As well as the composition of the wine, which obviously has an effect on the flavour, the ageing process and duration also plays a part.
If you have well-honed senses then you may be able to pick out some of the aromas which are discernable in Chianti. These can include plum, cherry, spice and even coffee or tobacco scents apparently.
The vineyards themselves are as much a part of any wine tasting tour as the drink itself.
Many people delight in seeing how the grapes are harvested from the fields to be used in the wines, with every part of the process, from mixing to ageing, on show to visitors.
Tuscany’s rolling hills and valleys provide a perfect backdrop to a wine tasting excursion around the Chianti region.
Pretty Italian towns are just waiting to be explored nearby, with restaurants serving delightful food which is the perfect accompaniment to a glass of the deep red wine.
While staying in an Italy holiday villa, you will probably want to spend at least one day visiting one of Tuscany’s larger cities.
Florence and Siena are ideal choices for tourists in the area, each boasting stunning architecture, as well as museums and galleries full of artistic and cultural treasures.
The arts scene in Florence often attracts visitors from around the world, who are keen to spend some time browsing the exhibits in the Uffizi Gallery.
Anyone who is seeking some contemporary art in addition to the classics on show at the Uffizi will find plenty at the Gallery of Modern Art, which is located in the Pitti Palace.
Tags: chianti wines, deep red wine, delightful food, hills and valleys, subtle distinctions, tuscany villa, villa in tuscany