Bike and wine: pedalling amongst Tuscan vineyards

Gentle slopes covered in woodland, orchards and vines. Tuscany, with its delightful views and its beaten tracks, is one of the most highly appreciated destinations for bike lovers from all over the world. A ride in this delightful landscape reconnects with Nature and with the sense of time. That unique sensation that makes us feel at one with the surrounding environment, without any of the frenzy dictated by the daily routine.

It also offers a way of reaching our vineyards, from the Vino Nobile to the Chianti Classico, and of emerging yourself even further into the Tuscan vine growing and wine making tradition. Early June sees World Bike Day: what better opportunity to propose some cycle tours to get to know a unique territory from close up? Pairing, is exactly the right term, wine recommendations for a totally relaxing stop off.

Renaissance Tour: from Pienza to Montepulciano

Let us start from what are, rightly, two of the most famous villages in the province of Siena. We set off from Pienza: the ideal city of Pope Pius II Piccolomini because it was built on a human scale in its shape and proportions. A village that fully expresses the Humanist and Renaissance ideology, with the human being becoming the measure of everything. Including roads and squares. Cycling from here means admiring all the beauty of Val d’Orcia, over which Pienza placidly lies. A bike tour, during which you can admire authentic jewels of Tuscan history. Like the small town of Monticchiello set in stone, surrounded by characteristic cypress trees that define the backdrop of these roads. Until we reach the boundary with Val di Chiana and the village of Montepulciano, in which ancient Etruscan remains and the solemn austerity of the Renaissance buildings are preserved.

Recommended wine pairing? Nothing is more simple: Carpineto Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva. Elegant like the village its name comes from, balanced, fine, complex. Carpineto is the only producer of exclusively the Riserva version of Vino Nobile, matured for two years in 50-100 hectolitre oak barrels and in French oak barriques, then aged in the bottle for 6-8 months in a controlled temperature and humidity environment. A high profile wine that honours the beauty of these places. 

In the land of the Brunello

Starting point: the twelfth century castle that dominates Montalcino. Going back a few centuries from the Renaissance period, we plunge ourselves into the narrow medieval lanes of this pearl of Sienese Tuscany. Cycling past the Church of Sant’Agostino, the imposing Sant’Antimo Abbey – perhaps one of the highest expressions of Romanesque style in the whole of Italy – and, obviously, the hills covered with rows of vines. In one of the highest points of the territory, at about 3 kilometres from the centre of the village, you will find our farmstead. A splendid stone farmhouse surrounded by vines and woods, with the profile of Montalcino guarding over our grapes.

This is where we produce two of the most famous and appreciated labels of world wine making: Carpineto Brunello di Montalcino and Carpineto Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. Our vineyards are located at approximately 500 metres above sea level, one of the highest locations of the whole denomination. This factor, along with its north-facing exposure, creates a windy microclimate that is well-protected from the warm and humid winds coming from the Maremma. These are perfect conditions for the Sangiovese Grosso grape, that thus gives us wines of extreme elegance, full-bodied and well-structured, perfect for important occasions or for a simple moment of relaxation, in the company of Nature.

Discovering Chianti Classico

Finally: how can we avoid mentioning the heart of Chianti Classico? One of the most famous areas in the world for its vine growing. And at the same time a much-loved area by bike lovers coming from all corners of the globe. The reason is easy to find. Apart from the indisputable charm of the white roads surrounded by monasteries and castles, there is a historical reason: here is where the famous Eroica cycling event began in the early 1900s. The route takes cyclists from Chianti Classico to Val d’Orcia and the Crete Senesi.

In our estate in Dudda, in the Town of Greve in Chianti, you will find all the most highly appreciated labels of this denomination: Carpineto Chianti Classico, Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva and Carpineto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. We are in one of the coolest and windiest areas of the denomination, well-protected from the summer mugginess and heat. This detail gives our wines strong characteristics of acidity, freshness and drinkability. From the fresh and fruity aromas of Chianti Classico, to the undisputed elegance of the Riserva and of the Gran Selezione, you will find all the hints and tastes of this land in the magnificent fragrance of a glass of wine.

From the Province of Siena to that of Florence, passing through some of the most charming places that Tuscany has to offer. The long days of June tempt us to saddle up and discover the most beautiful things that our region has to offer.