Right in the heart of Chianti Classico country about 20 miles South of Florence you will find the most famous butcher in all of Tuscany--Dario Cecchini.  Dario's small shop, Antica Macellina Cecchini, is located on the "route of wine", No. 222, in Panzano.  After visiting Greve, the site of another famous butcher shop or marcelleria known for its wild boar sausage, drive South about 7 miles to Panzano.  You'll know that you have arrived when you come to a very small piazza where a turn to the right would take you up the hill to the village.  Park your car at the piazza and cross the main road heading East.  You will find Dario's shop about 50 yards from the main road.

    Dario is known for his exuberant zest for life and especially for Tuscan beef.  A few years ago he led a protest against the European Union's attempt to outlaw the famed Fiorentina T-bone steak.  This took place during the Mad Cow disease scare.  Of course, this would be a excellent place to buy your favorite cut of beef and try out his special Tuscan seasoned salt.   People come from all over just for the salt.

    This shop has been a Cecchini family business for over 200 years, eight generations, and every corner is filled with music, works of art and books.  Dario is an avid poet and is known as the poet-butcher.  When you're visiting, you may just hear him recite passages from Dante's Divine Comedy.

    Take a break from your tour of the wineries and share Dario's unique and joyful world.  If it is time for lunch, you might want to dine at Ristorante Il Vescovino, Via Ciampolo da Panzano, 9 (055-852464).  Drive to the top of the hill in Panzano and turn left at the church.  The restaurant has outside seating in the garden.  It is situated on the side of a hill overlooking a pleasant valley.  They close on Tuesdays.