In Greve in Chianti, the historic town where Vittorio Emanuele II got married, the Antica Macelleria Falorni, shop and bistro, is a true institution that, through its many souls and its delicacies, tells centuries of history of these extraordinary areas.
There are places that have survived the passage of time through entire generations and thus become witnesses of the most fervent events. In the heart of the Chianti Classico, we find one of these precious places which, behind its lively guise, contains an important piece of the history of these lands.
Antica Macelleria Falorni is, in fact, not just a butchery with a bistro where you can find the best Tuscan products, booked by starred restaurants all over the world. It also contains a universe dedicated to excellence made up of a wine shop with over 1000 references, mostly from Tuscany, and a museum dedicated to the origins of wine-making art.
Stefano Bencistà Falorni, together with his brother Lorenzo, is the soul of all the entrepreneurial activity that gravitates around the shop. Their family, in fact, has lived in Greve in Chianti since 1480. In these lands, the history of wine-making began in fact thanks to an intense agricultural activity that practically involved the whole town, as evidenced by the fascinating museum which collects 200 years of tools, barrels and ancient objects.
In 1780 the Falorni family started their business, with an inn where Sangiovese and classic Chianti were served. In 1806 they bought the building where the shop is still located, under which are hidden the extraordinary 15th-century caves where, today, hams and pecorino cheeses are preserved.
Entering the Antica Macelleria Falorni is like taking a ride on the carousel of delicacies. Cured meats that cover the ceilings like true art installations, baskets full of typical products, spices and rarities such as Cinta Senese, wild boar, truffle cured meats or ash-preserved hams.
In the Macelleria, the section dedicated to wine really stands out: here you can buy prestigious labels such as the finest Tuscan productions, from classic Chianti to Brunello, from Bolgheri to Nobile di Montepulciano. A few steps from the butcher shop, the Falorni family have, in fact, also created a truly extraordinary wine shop.
Here, under a huge vaulted ceiling, over 1000 labels are kept, of which 170 are served thanks to an innovative preservation system, patented by the company, which protects the wine from oxidation. But the real gem, as if the rest weren’t enough, is the small vault of wonders which, in an ancient niche dug into the earth, holds precious editions of the best wines of the area.
Inebriated by so much abundance, is a real must to stop for a gourmet bite at the bistro of the Antica Macelleria located in the heart of the town central square, choosing between cold cuts platters, “fettunte con l’olio novo”, soups and veal tartare.
To complete this fantastic world, above the shop, a small hotel with only 8 rooms will soon be opened to make you fall in love with Greve in Chianti even more!
The Secret
During his stay in Greve in Chianti, Vittorio Emanuele II had an affair with Bela Rosin, the beautiful baker of the town, and a child was born from the union. Years later, the King decided to recognize the boy by giving him the titles of Duke of Aosta and Mirafiori. Thus it was that in the following years, Alberto Emanuele Guerrieri, Count of Mirafiori, the eldest son of Bela Rosin and morganatic son of the King of Italy, became the owner of half the town, including the historic cellar that is now the headquarters of Enoteca Falorni.
Useful Info
Antica Macelleria Falorni
Piazza G. Matteotti 66
50022 Greve in Chianti, Firenze
Tel. +39 055 853029
Cold-cuts platters: 13 — 22 euro
Sandwiches: 6 — 7 euro
Tartares: 13 — 23 euro
Soups and pasta dishes: 9 — 13 euro
Visits to the Wine Museum upon reservation by contacting Antica Macelleria Falorni or Enoteca Falorni