In vechile tinuturi ale Toscanei, intre orasele rivale Siena si Florenta, se intinde glorioasa regiune Chianti – un trofeu ravnit intr-o disputa teritoriala veche de secole. Generatie dupa generatie, dusmania dintre cele doua orase mari a mocnit sub soarele arzator al Toscanei. Un cocos alb, un cocos negru si o cursa de cai Disperati sa gaseasca o cale de a hotari, o data pentru totdeauna, cui avea sa-i revina teritoriul Chianti – ceea ce azi numim Chianti Classico -, conducatorii celor doua orase au convenit asupra unei solutii neobisnuite: o cursa de cai. Regulile erau simple, dar fara precedent – doi calareti urmau sa porneasca la drum la primul cantat…
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TOSCANA: ESENTIALELE
Rezerva-ti cel putin doua saptamani pentru Toscana; oricum o sa-ti doresti sa dureze o viata. In Toscana, trebuie sa iti acorzi timp, sa te lasi purtat de val si sa nu te opui tentatiei – aici inveti ce inseamna cu adevarat slow travel. Ai nevoie de timp sa o traiesti, nu doar sa o vizitezi, si odata ce o faci cum trebuie, descoperi ca nu exista niciun alt loc pe lume ca asta. INTEL UNU: FLORENTA Probabil cel mai frumos oras din lume, Florenta e un univers in sine. Aici s-a nascut Renasterea si tot aici incepe cu adevarat calatoria ta. Despre Florenta, aici. DOI: REGIUNEA CHIANTI CLASSICO Din Florenta,…
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Of Love and War: the Legend of the Black Rooster
In the ancient land of Tuscany, nestled between the rival cities of Siena and Florence, lay the fertile Chianti region – a coveted prize in a centuries-old territorial feud. For generations, the animosity between the two cities had simmered beneath the Tuscan sun. A white rooster, a black rooster and a grand horse race Desperate to resolve once and for all the question of who rightfully owned Chianti, the leaders of both cities agreed on an unusual solution: a grand horse race. The rules were simple yet unprecedented: two riders would set off at the crowing of a rooster, one from each city, and the point where they met would…
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Tuscany wine to be: Mamma mia, Vendemmia!
September arrives, bringing with it the familiar anticipation of Vendemmia – the grape harvest in Toscana. The calendar, naturally, fills with the usual wonders: exclusive wine tastings, the joy of community harvest, explorations of the hallowed cantine, local fairs honouring Bacchus, intriguing mystery tours, and the pranzoni – those incredible, seasonal feasts. This year, however, due to particular climatic eccentricities and hot weather, vendemmia takes place sooner than usual. The forecast hints at a historically low yield, yet promises extraordinary grapes, albeit in very limited quantities. Heatwaves and extreme conditions have resulted in smaller, often atypical grapes, with significant quality variations even from one vineyard to the next. Follow the…
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If you were a supernatural being, where would you live?
Toscana. Rich, old, and full of charm. This is where legends aren’t simply told; they are rather hanging about, rolling into the richest vineyards and cradling the noblest cities of art the world has ever known.. Time itself is slow, flowing seamlessly into history. So, if you happen to be a supernatural being with a most discerning eye for prime real estate, where, precisely, would you reside? Right. For the happy few who appreciate an enduring legacy, a hint of the spectral, and the very finest of wines, these are some great Tuscan haunts. Father of Chianti Classico, reveal your presence! Ricasoli is the oldest winery in Italy. Winemakers since…
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TUSCANY #SINEQUANON: SEE? PERFECTION EXISTS
Plan on a minimum of two weeks here; this is not a place to fast-forward through. In Tuscany, you take your time, give in, and never resist temptation – this is where you learn the true meaning of slow travel. You really need the time to live it, not just visit it, and once you do it properly, you’ll find there’s no place quite like it. Intel Best time to visit: September. Transport: fly into Pisa or Florence and then rent a car – this is non-negotiable. Tuscany has the most beautiful medieval castles and villages, plus the most wonderful country roads. If you can’t freely move between those vineyards…
