Chianti is famous for its red wine, the Chianti Classico, primarily produced from Sangiovese grapes. The Chianti Classico wine is easily recognizable thanks to the Black Rooster symbol on the label, which represents the Consortium.
Chianti is primarily grown in the hilly area between Florence and Siena, but the designation also extends to parts of the provinces of Pisa, Pistoia, Arezzo, and Prato. The most prestigious subzone is Chianti Classico, which covers the historic production area between Florence and Siena.
The main grape of Chianti is Sangiovese, which gives the wine its distinctive characteristics of lively acidity and pronounced tannins.
The Val d'Orcia is famous for its picturesque landscapes, characterized by rolling hills, cypress trees, and vineyards, often captured in films and photographs, as well as for its historic villages such as Pienza, Montalcino, and San Quirico d'Orcia. Its beauty is such that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is also renowned for the production of excellent wines, including Brunello di Montalcino and Orcia DOC. The term "Orcia" derives from the name of the river that flows through the valley.
The main wine produced in Val d'Orcia is the Orcia DOC, a red wine that often uses the Sangiovese grape, the same one used for Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti. Other grape varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are often used to create high-quality blends.
