The little town of Barberino Val d'Elsa (373m/1,224ft; population 3,500) is some 20km/12.5mi west on the old Roman Via Cassia. Though outside the Chianti Classico district proper, it is surrounded by vine-covered slopes. Barberino remains encircled too by the walls which served to protect this small Florentine town during the conflict with Siena
Two impressive 14th century gate-towers, the Porta Romana and Porta Fiorentina, guard the openings through the circuit wall. At the end of the Via Francesco da Barberino stands the 14th century Ospedale dei Pellegrini (pilgrim hospice) erected by Cecco Barberino in 1365.
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