THE TUSCAN GRAPE HARVEST

Tuscany holds a rich history of viticulture. Its rolling hills and Mediterranean climate provide the perfect spot for the production of good quality wines and during the last decade it has become known as the nation's most creative producer.

Tuscany also holds world recognition for its red wines, the majority of which come from the Sangiovese grape vines. These wines are generally spicy, with good acid levels, smooth texture and medium body. The most exclusive Sangiovese wine is Brunello di Montalcino, a high quality selected wine from a fortress town south of Siena. It is one of Italy's most expensive wines and is now issued under more than a hundred different labels. This wine is produced solely from the Sangiovese grapevine and takes at least 10 years to reach maturity.

Chianti Classico comes from the famous land of vineyards that lie between Florence and Siena, with the towns of Greve, Radda and Castellina forming a triangle in the very heart of the Chianti area. Most of these wines belong to the Classico's marketing consortium and bear the 'Gallo Nero' symbol that means 'black rooster'. This gives the guarantee of a true bottle of Chianti Classico. Two kinds of Chianti Classico are available, these are known as 'Standard' and 'Riserva'. Standard Chainti Classico is labelled with a Gallo Nero surrounded by a red border, whereas Riserva Chianti Classico is labelled with a Gallo Nero surrounded by a gold border. This is produced from some of the finest grapes and gives a minimum of 27 months aging to provide an additional full-bodied flavour.

If you want to personally experience the Grape harvest, the best way is to join the grape pickers for a day. The harvest begins at sunrise! Hard work is however generally rewarded by a generous lunch of prosciutto ham, cheeses and of course, Tuscan wine. You can contact some of the vineyards directly, just click on the vineyard name for contact details. It is also possible if you see the grape harvest being taken in to speak with a supervisor and ask if you can help the grape pickers carry the baskets!

Casanuova di Ama:
Is a wine and oil-producing farm that lies between the medieval towns of Radda and Gaiole with its entrance marked by a 14th century Roman-style chapel. It's a small business run by an extremely friendly and welcoming family who are proud of producing good quality organically grown wine that ranges from the famous Chianti Classico Riserva to red and white varieties of Vino da Tavola.

Click here for accommodation close to Casanova di Ama.

Dievole:

Is well known for its alliance between tradition and scientific technical innovation. Although its viticulture dates back to the 11th Century, its new facilities include modern techniques of wine-growing management. Wine tasting and tours available

Click here for accommodation close to Dievole.

Castello di Brolio:
This castle dates back to the 10th century and holds one of the main vineyards that lie within the Chianti Classico area. In fact its creator Baron Bettino Ricasoli produced the first formulation of the grape mix of Chianti Classico in the second half of the 19th century. Whilst there you can enjoy a guided tour of the castle, an introduction to their finest wines with a visit to the 'tasting room', and the traditional Tuscan food at its own restaurant.

Click here for accommodation close to Castello di Brolio.

Castello di Meleto
Another great castle in Tuscany, this 13th century hill-top building, close to the village of Gaiole, is again owned again by the Ricasoli family. Surrounded by its 180 acres of lands that cultivate the grapevine, its main grapes include the Sangiovese, used mainly for the production of Chianti Classico, together with Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah and other traditional wines. Other than guided tours and wine tastings, you can enjoy lunch or dinner at its own restaurant Fornace di Meleto.

Click here for accommodation close to the Castelo di Meleto.

Castello di Verrazzano
Based in its 12th Century castle and renaissance gardens is another family run estate, once again close to Florence. Its 43 hectares of vinyards is internationally recognised. Other than guided tours and wine tastings you can also try the 'Cantinetta' a wine bar and bakery run by the owners of Castello di Verrazzano which offers all wine produced from the Castle together with white wines, locally produced extra virgin olive oil, and freshly baked breads. High quality traditional yet simple dishes are also available, together with pastries, rustic biscuits, and traditional coffee blends.

Click here for accommodation close to the Castello di Verrazzano.

If you really fancy treating yourself you can always try a luxury Tuscan Wine Tour that's led by a local wine expert and tour guide who offers guided wine tours throughout Tuscany. You can either go 'private' and have a personal tour or join a group tour leaving Florence. You will be escorted in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle by an expert guide leading you to various vineyards and local villages where you can meet and greet the locals and try different local specialities for lunch and/or dinner. Tours are available in English, Italian and French, click here for details.

There is also an App available for iPhones and iPads which will guide you to different vineyards and give you advice on the best wines: Click here for details (link will take you to the iTunes website)

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