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Wine Making In Tuscany - A Perfect Tour
What do France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Chile, the United States of America, Romania, Germany, Portugal, Moldova, Hungary, South Africa, Croatia and Argentina have in common? Wine and wineries. These fourteen countries lead the world in the export of "vino."
Italy is second only to France in the production of wines, and it's all thanks to the famous region of Tuscany - or Toscana as the natives call it.
You'll find Tuscany in the center of Italy. The famous fashion capital Milan is far to the north, near the borders of France and Switzerland, while Rome is a little to the south. Tuscany is a jewel set between the Tyrrhenian Sea on the west and the Apennines mountain range on the east. It consists of ten provinces, including Pisa (famous for the Leaning Tower of Pisa). The capital city is Florence (and it is here that you will find the historic Uffizi Gallery.)
Wine making in Tuscany is just as historic as Italy's architecture and art. Indeed, it extends as far back as the beginning of time.
The History of Tuscany
Tuscany was first settled by the Etruscans in around 800 BCE, who quickly discovered the wild vines growing in abundance on the "sun-drenched" hills, and these grapes were carefully cultivated to improve their flavor.
Several varieties of grapes are grown in the region. Some of these grapes stand on their own when it comes to wine making - for example Cabernet Sauvignon comes only from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, and the Lambrusco grape produces a variety of dry red wines: Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro, Lambrusco di Sorbara, Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce, and Lambrusco Reggiano).
Other wines are a blend of grape varieties. The famous Chianti is a blend three grapes -two red: Sangiovese and Canaiolo, and Malvasia, a white. (Although, there's a story there. Until the 19th century Chianti was made only from the Sangiovese grape. A famous Italian statesman, Bettino Ricasoli, decreed that chianti should be made of the blend of three grapes. But since 1995 that practice has been dying out and most Chianti these days is again made only with the Sangiovese grape.)
The history of the evolution of a certain wine is just as fascinating as the history of the vineyards from which they come.
If you are a wine lover taking a vacation in Tuscany, you'll want to visit a vineyard or two. Or more! You'll find fourteen "wine roads" throughout the region - each one famous for the wine production from a particular type of grape. Follow each road and stop in at those companies and cellars which are open to the public.
Each of the provinces of Tuscany have at least one wine road - Florence and Grosseto have three each. Each road has its own sign system that indicates the wine it deals with, and the towns or places to stop of interest on it.
So renowned is Tuscany for its wine-making that several international travel firms offer tours devoted strictly to the wine lover. If you don't feel like exploring the Italian countryside on your own, one of these tours - with like-minded people, will be just the thing for you. Alastair Hamilton is a syndicated editor of http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com . For additional information regarding tuscany vacations or Italy tours go to cycling in Italy Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
When visiting Italy, it seems every destination has enough historical sites to keep you busy for a month. Oddly, Milan and Pisa dont fall into this category.
Milan
Milan is a thoroughly modern city and I would hazard to guess a wealthy one. This is not really the place for a budget traveler, but then again budget travelers seem to survive anywhere.
Milan is a good city to stroll around in. One can see a lot of interesting little shops and neighborhoods, but there isnt the monument to you find in most Italian cities. Dont worry, the Cathedral makes up for it all.
In a city with a very modern feel, an old structure dominates. If you have interest in churches, you must visit Milan. The Duomo is simply staggering in appearance. From the outside, it is all gothic spires and frescos. I dont know why, but the place is just radiates intensity and power. The inside of the structure is world unto itself. Marble is everywhere and you cant help but stand around with your mouth open.
I hate to say it, but Milan can be a bit boring once youve had your fill of the Cathedral. The nightlife can be vibrant, but there is a definite dress to be seen feel to the place.
Pisa
Who hasnt heard of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. When you visit, you will indeed find the tower is leaning. Unfortunately, you will not find much else. The tower is impressive as are the buildings immediately surrounding it. Nonetheless, the rest of Pisa is more interested in getting on with things. A nice place to visit, but dont plan on spending more than a day or two.
There is nothing inherently wrong with Milan or Pisa if you know what to expect. If youre expecting destinations similar to Rome, youll be disappointed. Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of writing journals. Travel journals are great travel accessories and travel gifts for student travel, family vacations and adventure travel. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com for more travel articles, travelogues and travel stories. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Pisa - The City Of The Leaning Tower
Although it is world wide famous due to its Leaning Tower, the city of Pisa also has many other great attractions and amazing characteristics to offer. Pisa is one of the most important historic Italian areas and one of the most visited year around as well. This city allows tourists to meet buildings which conjugate many different époques and artistic currents, such as, for example, Romanesque and Gothic among many others.
Pisa is located towards the western area of Tuscany, and its origins date from as long as 3.000 years ago. During that time, a settlement started being built up at the seaside and gave origin to what today is one of the most famous cities of the world. This way, the historical richness of Pisa is amazing due to its great amount of years and this can be observed in the buildings which have remained through the pass of time and which show the different époques through which the city has passed.
Another one of Pisa's main characteristics is its university, established in the first years of 1340 and world wide known due to its excellence. This way, Pisa is a city which gives main importance to knowledge, science and arts, being up to the date with modern life as well as maintaining some of the characteristics which gave it shape through the pass of time.
The Leaning Tower is located in the northwest area of Pisa, sharing one same area with other important buildings. At this area, known as Campo dei Miracoli, next to the famous Leaning Tower, there are other three great and unique buildings: the Camposanto or Holy Field; the amazing Duomo or Cathedral of Pisa of 1000 years; and the Baptistery or Battisterio of circular shape.
There are several other buildings and interesting areas for visitors to meet in Pisa besides the Campo dei Miracoli. Towards the south side of the city, tourists can visit two interesting museums: the Museo delle Sinopie and the Museo dell'Opera, offering the chance to observe original paintings and sculptures of famous artists from many centuries ago.
About The Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of Eurotomic.com. If you're planning a trip to Italy please go here: http://www.eurotomic.com/italy.php.
This article was posted on September 07, 2005
