Another jewel in the crown of Tuscany - Chianti, world famous for its wines. It's called so since 1404 and must carry the seal of the Black Cockerel. In 1716 the area of Chianti became the world's first officially defined wine-producing region. There are many vineyards with tasting sessions and tours. Just do not forget - (do not) drink-and-drive rules still apply!
We visited Chianti's unofficial capital - Greve in Chianti. In the town's main square we were immediately drawn to the statue... of the naked man! Naked he may be but his main "feature" was so big and so explicit (and also a prime location just in front of the Town Hall) - we were really baffled?! Unfortunately with my rudimentary Italian I couldn't ask why this guy is honoured in such a peculiar way, so it remained a mystery... But the local butcher shop "Macelleria ("butcher") Falorni", stuffed with hanging prosciutto, garlic and cheeses impressed even me - a "hardcore" vegetarian.
By the way, the Chianti region is so popular with the English that it has a second name - Chiantishire!
The butcher shop "Falorni"
Italian decadence?!
A snow covered Greve in Chianti