GRAPE ESCAPES -Greve and Panzano in Chianti

An ancient church even by Chianti standards - San Leolino dates back to the 10th century - Panzano

Ah yes - the Butcher of Panzano - the set meal consists of no less than six meat courses. Afterward he stacked ten shot glasses in his hand and poured grappa in each as he handed them out for free.

You know you are in Chianti when we begin to see local stores like this in the countryside

The Hills of Tuscany between Panzano and Greve

Time to leave Panzano and on to Greve - the capital of Chianti

Well if you are from New York you will recognize his name- Giovanni da Verazzano - Yes he discovered the New York Harbor and thus the name of the Verazzano Bridge. Just down the road is the hamlet of Montefioralle- the ancestral home of the mapmaker, navigator and explorer who named America -  Amerigo Vespucci.

The town of Greve in Chianti- Wine Shops and Salumeria galore

Back streets of Greve in Chianti

My Uncle Phil has an Italian expression which is a joke from the old country. Those who work  - eat ! ....Those who dont work - eat and drink!!   I find it cute.
Just a quick note to you oenophiles on getting to know the Tuscan Wine- Most Tuscan wines are red and produced primarily from one type of grape- sangiovese. Chianti is the most famous in Tuscan wines. Chianti Classico wines which bear the gallo nero ( black rooster) logo on the labels, are the most highly regarded Chiantis with Rufino running second. All wine are government regulated ( DOC/ DOCG) and Chianti has to have a minimum of 75% sangiovese. Brunello di Montalcino produces the most powerful of the sangiovese-based wines. Regulators stipulate that it be made entirely from the sangiovese grapes and no blending. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano does not have strict regulations as do Chianti and Brunello, and as a result have a wider range of characteristics. Both Brunello and and Montepulciano have a less pricey sibling called Rosso. Super Tuscans began in the 1970's when some winemakers, chafing at the regulations imposed on Tuscan wines, began blending  wines in innovative ways. Some are of high quality. These French oak- aged wines may be blended with either Sassicaia or Tignanello which are outstanding performers. But some purists lament the loss of local identity resulting from Super Tuscans use of nonnative grape varieties such as cabernet and merlot.
All in all- Drink and be merry!!