Dining in rural inns
The Chianti is a region in which dining is not just a delightful activity but the focus of many an outing. With few exceptions, the inns specialise in traditional Tuscan fare, with different degrees of simplicity or sophistication. Beyond the restaurants that specialise in contemporary versions of Tuscan cuisine, the menus are not dramatically different throughout the Chianti. What they generally share is a charming mood, an attention to quality and a wine list that reflects the finest local estates.
What’s more, many of the most appealing inns are set in Chianti Classico wine estates. The grandest of these estates aim to showcase their wines by matching their favourite vintages to Tuscan menus with a twist. It’s a played-down version of fine dining. Other estates may offer simpler inns and a chance to combine the wine with cucina povera, the healthy but hearty `peasant’ cooking of the past.
At the very least, you can usually expect tasting rooms and an enoteca (wine shop) where you can buy the wines. These princely wines have little in common with the folksy, straw-covered flasks of plonk that once symbolised Tuscany abroad. Always check what’s available online as the options may vary from a gourmet meal to a wine-tasting paired with bruschette or crostini. As with our favourite Chianti wine estates, it’s about drinking it all in. The experience is rarely about a quick slurp and moving on.
This is just a taster to the Chianti. See our restaurant recommendations below and also see specific guides to top Chianti towns and villages, all accessed through our Destinations listings, For starters, check out the Eating and Drinking section in our guide below and in our other Chianti guides to Gaiole, Greve, Panzano, Castellina, Radda and Castelnuovo Beradenga. Our additional Chianti guides cover Castagnoli, Volpaia, San Gusme, San Donato in Poggio and Vagliagli.
Our recommended wine estates are also featured in each of the individual Chianti guides.
Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico (Chianti Classico Wine Consortium)
Tel: (+39) 055 82285
Web: www.chianticlassico.com
