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The clink of metal against metal. The rustle of coal dust. The heat of the furnace scorching his cheeks...
Young apprentice's delicate fingers skillfully crafted filigree patterns on a golden brooch.

"Watch closely, Pippo! This requires a watchmaker's precision," the master leaned over his apprentice's work, squinting one eye.

Filippo nodded, though his thoughts were far away. Up there, in the heights, where emptiness gaped above the unfinished cathedral. Every morning, hurrying to the workshop, he would lift his head to this void and imagine how one day he would fill it with his dream.

"Good morning, Pippo!" - townspeople would call out. "What new creation will you make today?"
Little did they know that in the pocket of his leather apron, stained with gold dust, lay sketches of something quite different from jewellery.

At night, when the noise of Florentine streets subsided, Filippo would take out his drawings. Lines and circles formed into unimaginable constructions. Mathematical calculations filled the margins of the pages.

"Madman!" - some would say.
"Dreamer!" - others would shake their heads.
"Heretic!" - whispered still others, eyeing his strange mechanisms.

But wasn't Magellan called a madman? Wasn't Giotto laughed at? Wasn't Dante driven away?

Years in the jeweller's workshop taught him the most important thing – patience. Filigree work with metal required the same precision as dome calculations. The same steadiness of hand as operating construction mechanisms. The same faith in the final result.

"It's impossible to build a dome without supports!" - architects shouted at the city council.
"It will collapse and bury everyone under the rubble!" - sceptics prophesied.
"It defies the laws of nature!" - learned men claimed.

But doesn't nature create the eggshell? Doesn't it stand on its own without any props?

And then one day...

They say that at that historic meeting, Brunelleschi simply took a chicken egg and stood it upright, breaking its tip. "This is how my dome will stand," he said.

Years passed. Hundreds of workers, millions of bricks, thousands of days of relentless work. They called him obsessed – he was the first to climb the scaffolding and the last to descend. They thought him a sorcerer – the mechanisms he invented seemed born of devilish fantasy.

But the dome grew. Day by day, row by row, rising toward heaven despite all laws, all doubts, all prejudices.

And today...

Its profile stands against the sunset sky – majestic, unfathomable, eternal. The octagonal dome of Santa Maria del Fiore became not just an architectural masterpiece – it became a symbol of human courage, proof that dreams become reality if you dare to challenge fate.
 

Chianti is an Italian dry red wine from the Sangiovese grape in the Tuscany region. It is more than just a wine, it is a journey through the history, culture and unique terrains of Tuscany. With its deep roots and unrivaled versatility, Chianti is a testament to the art of Italian winemaking: a wine that continues to be celebrated by enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

The Chianti wine region consists of several microzones of DOC and DOCG levels. The most highly regarded are the wines of the Chianti Classico consortium. This iconic red wine tastes of the region's rich history and terroir. 

The Chianti region, a spectacular landscape of vineyards and olive groves, stretches between Florence and Siena. Within this picturesque region are seven different sub-zones: Chianti Classico, Colli Aretini, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colline Pisane, Montalbano and Montespertoli and each bringing its own unique nuances to the wines. These subzones differ in microclimate, soil composition and altitude, resulting in a surprising variety of flavor profiles.

Although Sangiovese is predominant, other grape varieties such as Canaiolo, Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot may be included to add complexity and depth to the wine. Chianti wines undergo traditional aging in Slavonian oak barrels for 4-7 months, while higher quality wines such as Chianti Riserva require at least 24 months of aging in oak.

The Chianti classification system ensures quality and authenticity:
 

• Chianti DOCG: the broadest category, including wines from the different regions of the Chianti zone.
• Chianti Classico DOCG: These wines, originating from the historic area, are renowned for their superior quality and adherence to the strictest rules.
• Chianti Superiore: higher quality, requiring longer aging and stricter production standards.
• Chianti Riserva: Aged for at least 24 months and characterized by greater complexity and depth.
• Chianti Gran Selezione: the pinnacle of Chianti, created from estate-grown grapes and aged for at least 30 months, providing exceptional quality.
   

Chianti offers a diverse range of flavors reflecting the unique terroir of each subzone. Common tasting notes include:
 

• Red and black cherry: Distinctive fruitiness of Sangiovese.
• Herbal notes: Reminiscent of the Tuscan countryside with rosemary, thyme and oregano notes.
• Balsamic vinegar: A savory note, especially noticeable in aged Chianti.
• Smoke and game: Especially in Chianti Classico, the wine can show earthy and smoky undertones.
• Mineral and earthy: Reflecting the unique soils and vineyards of Tuscany.

The history of Chianti goes back centuries, intertwined with the history of Tuscany and the Medici family. In 1716, Cosimo III Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, issued a decree recognizing the Chianti region as the official source of Chianti wine. This marked the beginning of Chianti's prestigious reputation. Historically, it is associated with a squat bottle encased in a straw basket called a fiasco. Nowadays, however, the fiasco is only used by a few producers of this wine; Chianti is mostly bottled in more standard-shaped wine bottles.

In the 19th century, Baron Bettino Ricasoli revolutionized the composition of wine by establishing Sangiovese as the dominant grape variety. Later, in 1932, the Italian government expanded the Chianti region, further cementing its place as a symbol of Italian winemaking.

It should be noted that Chianti is often seen as a more affordable and budget-friendly option, due to the blending of Sangiovese with other grape varieties. Despite the exceptional value of this wine, it is worth comparing it to other prestigious Tuscan wines such as Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Brunello di Montalcino, made exclusively from the powerful and aging-resistant Sangiovese Grosso grape, is known for its depth and complexity, making it a premium and often more expensive choice. In contrast, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has a harmonious balance, offering elegance and finesse with a character similar to Brunello, but at a more affordable price point.

Chianti's brilliant ruby color sets the stage for a symphony of flavors.  Its signature acidity and firm tannins make it an ideal partner for robust Italian fare. Think: perfectly roasted meats – beef, lamb, or pork – their smoky edges echoing the wine's complexity.  Or consider the sharp, nutty notes of aged cheeses like pecorino, grana padano, or parmigiano reggiano. And, naturally, the timeless pairing of Chianti and pasta, a match made in culinary heaven.

From its humble origins in the hills of Tuscany to its current status as a world-class wine, Chianti continues to enchant wine lovers around the world. Whether enjoying a classic Chianti Classico or exploring a Gran Selezione, each bottle is a sensory journey into the heart of Tuscany's winemaking heritage.
 

Florence... How many legends and mysteries, aromas and colours, whispers of centuries and toll of bells are interwoven in this name? A museum city? Oh no, that's too simple a definition for a place where every stone breathes history, and every alley holds its own enigma.

Picture this: early morning, the sun slowly rises above the Duomo's dome, painting its terracotta curves in gentle pink hues. The city is just awakening, already filling with the aroma of fresh pastries and strong espresso from tiny cafes hidden in the narrow streets of the Santa Croce quarter. In such moments, it seems time has stopped here – everything remains as it was five hundred years ago when a pensive Michelangelo walked these streets or when the restless Leonardo hurried to meet his patron.

Do you know what Florence's true enchantment is? It's in its duality. By day, she's a dignified matron, guardian of priceless art treasures, where Botticelli's "Venus" sighs languorously in the Uffizi Gallery, and the spirit of Medici intrigues still lingers in the Palazzo Vecchio. But as twilight descends, the city transforms – ancient legends come alive, and every square becomes a theatre where scenes from the past play out.

What draws travelers here? Perhaps it's the city's special atmosphere, where art has become a way of life. Where one can sit in a tiny osteria, sipping Chianti, listening to locals tell tales of secret passages beneath the palazzos or of Bianca Cappello's ghost still wandering the corridors of the Villa Medici in Poggio a Caiano.

Or maybe the secret lies in Florence's ability to speak to everyone in their own language? For historians, she's an inexhaustible source of mysteries and discoveries. For artists – an open-air museum where light plays on palace facades, creating unique paintings. For romantics – a place where on the Ponte Vecchio bridge, you can make a wish that will surely come true if you hang a lock on its railing under a full moon.

But the city's main charm lies in its ability to surprise. You might think you know everything and have explored every corner, but suddenly behind an unremarkable door opens a magnificent Renaissance courtyard, or in a small church, you discover an unknown quattrocento masterpiece.

And you know what? Florence doesn't care for hurried tourists with guidebooks. She reveals herself to those who are ready to get lost in her streets, who aren't afraid to stray from beaten paths, and who know how to listen and feel. She's like a capricious beauty – showing some only her facade while revealing her soul to others.

Perhaps it's time for you to discover your Florence? The one that will become uniquely yours – with its special places, secret cafes, and hidden corners. This city doesn't so much look to the past as create stories – your stories. And who knows, maybe you'll become the hero of the next Florentine legend...

If you find yourself in Florence at sunset, climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo. They say when the last ray of sun touches the Duomo's dome, you can hear the city whispering its secrets to those ready to listen.