Chianti Classico

Chianti Classico, the place, is as delectable as Chianti Classico, the wine. The first mention of the Chianti region, south of Florence, dates to the latter 13th century. In 1719, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, by ducal decree, established the boundaries of the region in which Chianti wine could be produced. Time and world demand for the product has extended the region beyond the Grand Duke's initial design, generating a debate among purists as to the true borders of Chianti Classico. Regardless, it is the allure and romance of the land that is the soul of both the wine and place. "On my first couple of trips to Italy, I would head south from Florence on Strada del Chianti Classico, the main route into the region," says June Carey. "Each time, I ended up at this ancient farmhouse. I would get off the Strada at different places and meander in different directions, but I would always seem to be delivered to this spot. Florence is so beautiful and so Italian, but once you arrive here you say 'This is it! Chianti Classico!'"