Wildichiana: a carne de Chianina no Valdichiana Sienense

I am SO glad we visited the Fierli family Chianina farm during our recent visit to Umbria and Tuscany. Nico was the ultimate tour guide and host, and we learned so much not only about the Chianina breed, but also about the family history, the farm, how they raise the animals with the utmost care and humaneness - the whole experience on the farm with Nico was riveting, heartwarming and just a lot of fun! We also got to see and feed their Cinta Sinese pigs which was so entertaining and delightful! After our time on the farm, we returned to the Fierli family restaurant and had an amazing assortment of 'tastings' - way more than enough salumi for 2 people followed by delicious pasta with Chianina ragu and to top it off a Chianina burger. I only wish I lived closer to the Fierli farm, ristorante and macelleria - I would shop their weekly. Grazie mille to Nico for a fantastic experience!

Nowhere in Italy could we find a place to see these giant, impressive, beautiful Chianina cows up close than on this tour to the Fierli Farm outside of Montepulciano. If you have any interest in seeing the sweet, large white cattle (and some pigs on the farm), you should take this tour. Nikola was our guide; he's part of the Fierli family running the farm that dates back to his great grand-father. It was fascinating to hear their philosophy of providing a respectful, organic, stress-free life for their animals. A tasting menu ends the tour.