Then, from the grape harvest of 1997, it became officially recognised as 'Chianti Montespertoli' with the specific aim of creating wines destined for long term ageing.

At the same time 'Vinsanto del Chianti Montespertoli DOC', made of Trebbiano Toscano and/or Malvasia Bianca lunga, was created and the Strada del Vino di Montespertoli launched.

The Strada del Vino takes in the towns of San Donato a Livizzano, Baccaiano, Mandorli, Montespertoli, Ortimino, Lungagnana, Gigliola, San Giusto a Montalbino.

To complete this transformation a new museum will soon be inaugarated called the
'Museo della Vite e del Vino' or Museum of Vines and Wine'.

So that's the wine, but what should we be looking out for foodwise?

The characteristic dishes of the area are as red and full bodied as the wine.

Try one or all of the following: panzanella, crostini of chicken and rabbit liver, ribollita, tagliatelle pasta, lasagne, pappardelle with hare sauce, Fiorentine steak, wild boar and roast guinea fowl.