Passed through one big winery--produces 4 million bottles of wine a year. They had a huge sculpture of a black rooster--associated by legend and now tradition with Chianti.
Continued on to a much smaller (40 K bottles a year) organic winery. They have been organic from inception in the early 80's when it was quite uncommon.
Our host and tasting guide was Anselmo, one of two brothers who took over the operation from his father a few years ago.
His mother makes these wonderful whimsical ceramics which are also sold there.
They make licensed Chianti wine (look for DOCG on the label --need to check that) which means from a licensed farm and minimum 70% San Giovese grapes. Their Reserve, aged 4 years in French oak barrels was by far the best.
Walked a bit further for lunch at a restaurant by a pond, and then were picked up by vans for return to Siena about 4 pm.
Had a class on making pasta last night. I flunked. Mine was too wet. Fortunately we did not have to eat what we made and had some dive handmade ravioli stuffed with a mix of soft cheeses and were served several kinds of wine and tiny cheese souffles baked on a bed of San Giovese grapes,and then a flourless chocolate and almond cake for dessert.Staggered home shortly after 11 pm. Up again--very tired for a much longer walk today (Tuesday).
