Wednesday 9 November 2016

A drive through Chianti, Tuscany

Past Milano, the northern Italian motorways whizz one along efficiently south-east, past Parma and Modena, until, close to Bologna, you turn sharp south. And before long there are iconic sights of hilltop towns with ochre roofs, vineyards and cypresses, to let you know unmistakably that you're in Tuscany.




Between Firenze and Siena to its south is the Chianti wine-growing region


where, outside the town of San Casciano, there's an overnight stop in Mangiacane (the great dog), a pinky-orange Medici villa surrounded by cypresses




set on a hilltop overlooking the Chianti vineyards


After a long day in the car there's a pool to relax in, and one of my favourite pleasures that only a warm climate can offer: an outdoor shower


In the peaceful courtyard garden I was surprised to find Zimbabwean soapstone sculptures - slightly out of context, but they look well here. 


A sudden heavy rain shower cleared up in time for dinner in the garden: antipasti of local cheeses and charcuterie, a pasta of fresh truffles, and obviously a bottle of red Chianti. What could be more perfect?



Chianti, Tuscany, Italy, September 2016


2 comments:

  1. Dear Karen, What beautiful photos. We were traveling through the same region this past April. It is one of our most favorite regions to visit, especially when one can have the freedom of a car taking you to the not-so-well known corners of Italy.

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