Articolo disponibile anche in: Italian

Twelve shots that fully capture all the magic of autumn in the Chianti region. This is the time of year when, in my opinion, our land gives its very best.

The photographer is a real “magician” who knows how to represent our hills: Andrea Rontini (www.andrearontini.com), who has recently closed his historic exhibition space in Via delle Volte (Castellina in Chianti). But he certainly hasn’t put an end to his strong bond with the Chianti.

“These photos – he says – have been taken during a workshop (I don’t organise many), with two Swiss customers who have a passion for photography (husband and wife). I never decide the route beforehand, because it all depends on the right light”.

He retraces this photographic journey with WeChianti: “That morning we left Castellina with the rain, and then we went to Radda, Abbazia di Coltibuono and San Donato in Perano, then Gaiole and Castello di Brolio“.

“We stopped in Volpaia for lunch – continues Andrea – then the “via dei Poggi”: Lamole, Castello di Lamole, Casole, Greve, Montefioralle and back to Castellina. Obviously it’s not easy to show all the Chianti in one day, from dawn to sunset, but I try to give them a taste of the Sienese and Florentine Chianti”.

“Then we went on – he continues – among the autumn colours of the vineyards, never forgetting that the Chianti is an ancient land of contention, and the fortifications like castles, abbeys and hamlets are historic witnesses”.

In short, he’s a sort of Chianti ambassador with a camera: “Alongside these stories, I include some stops in places where people can enjoy our food, like the wonderful taste and scents of Paola Barucci’s products in Volpaia. People have the chance to appreciate local dishes, like the typical Tuscan ‘crostini’ with chicken liver paté, our ham, cheeses by the shepherd of Panzano, bruschetta and some excellent wine. And, at the end of the meal, the traditional cantucci biscuits and vin santo. These kind of culinary experiences always leave their mark”.

“It’s an advertisement for the Chianti – he concludes with words that we completely endorse – where local knowledge, history and flavours meet”.

Now we let the photos speak…

Pu.Ma.

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