Articolo disponibile anche in: Italian
The Chianti Classico territory is painted pink; under pink clouds and with various shades of the color that denotes spring… pink.
But it isn’t only the pink of roses and pink of sunsets… . It is also the color of the Giro d’Italia, the famed Italian bicycle race. This is the way the “gallo nero”, black rooster,welcomes the arrival of the most important Italian cycling race, which features a segment dedicated to the famous wine, the Chianti Classico Stage, on Sunday, May 15.
In the area everything is dressed in pink, even the majestic installations of the 3 meter high “black roosters” that decorate the main piazzas and streets of Chianti, dressing for the occasion, in the mythic pink jersey.
The Giro will not be the only important event that the area hosts. It is the 300 birthday of Chianti Classico and the territory is celebrating with a rich series of initiatives organized by the consortium of Chianti Classico and the various town administrations from May to October.
From music to sport, from art to food, the season’s menu is varied. One can immerse himself in the Tuscan hills next Saturday, May 14, with the chronotourist race, “il Gallo in Rosa”, the rooster in pink, and then with the Gran Fondo del Chianti Classico (September 18 in Radda in Chianti) or with the Chianti Classico marathon (June 5) or the Ecomaratona (October 15-16, Castelnuovo Berardenga).
You can also attend an organ music festival in Radda from June to October or hear blues in July at Castelnuovo Berardenga. There is an appointment with history, Radda Medievale (Medieval Radda) and an exhibition/story, “primo territorio di Vino” (first wine territory) which will be opened for the entire season at the Casa Chianti Classico in Radda in the antique convent of Santa Maria al Prato.
In keeping with academic tradition, there will be many historic conferences like “il Vino in Toscana, un antico Primato”, Wine in Tuscany an ancient first, hosted by Professor Cipriani (May 21 in San Casciano).
Naturally there will be gourmet events featuring typical Tuscan dishes, like the Campionato della Bistecca (Florentine beefsteak Championship) in Mercatale Val di Pesa on June 17-18.
For those who want to check out the local cuisine, you can sample the best steak in the area, and street food (San Casciano June 11-12). Eating habits and customs from all over Italy will be accompanied by Gallo Nero wines. The younger generations will also be given space. There will be a contest for elementary school and middle school students tied to the legend of the Black Rooster!