Wine Tasting – Page 23

Villa S. Anna’s “Softer” Touch

April 28, 2013 by Deborah Mines

Villa Sant Anna ~ Abbadia di Montepulciano — Villa S. Anna ~ Exceptionally Feminine
Abbadia di Montepulciano

Good ol’ Francesca, also known as my faithful GPS, was in prime working condition. She guided me directly to Villa S. Anna Winery in Abbadia di Montepulciano upon my arrival at Amerigo Vespucci Airport in Firenze (Florence) that bright sunny Saturday afternoon.

Waiting for me was Simona Fabroni Ruggeri, the owner of Villa S. Anna. I had contacted Simona a month before my trip to Tuscany to arrange a meeting. I was fascinated with the idea of meeting Simona, and touring the lovely “feminine” winery that she fondly calls Villa S. Anna.

Barrel Room - Villa S. Anna — Barrel Room – Villa S. Anna

The vineyards have been a part of the Contini-Ruggeri family for over 200 years and had a stellar reputation for producing very fine Tuscan wines. The family estate was bequeathed to Simona from her grandfather, “Poldo”, whose name is honored on the estate’s best Vino Nobile wine to this day. [Read more…]

Bella Tuscany ~ Captive On The Carousel Of Time

April 26, 2013 by Deborah Mines

Il Poggio ~ Agriturismo in Celle Sul Rigo -population 300 — Il Poggio ~ Agriturismo in Celle Sul Rigo Medieval town population of only 300

Many of my friends found it hard to believe that I was travelling all the way from California to Italy by myself. Travelling solo (sola in italiano), was never really an issue. I was returning to Il Poggio in Celle Sul Rigo, approximately 50 km south of Siena, for my second visit, so there was a sense of familiarity. Luckily, I made friends easily, meeting fellow travelers along the way. www.ilpoggio.net

Many of the other guests at Il Poggio were either couples or families but everyone seemed to be exceptionally friendly, no matter what language they spoke. The staff at Il Poggio was very genuine and welcoming, but spoke little to no English. By default, I was forced to speak Italian and really enjoyed the challenge–my mind was always engaged!

One of my first italian amiche, (friends) was Ramune, who spoke English commensurate to my Italian. She freelanced as a concierge and tour guide of sorts at Il Poggio. Originally from Lithuania, Ramune was fascinating and enthusiastic, eager to share her time, offering guided side trips throughout southern Tuscany. [Read more…]

Candlelight Wine Cellar Tour With Dario Castagno

April 21, 2013 by Deborah Mines

Dario Castagno ~ Reknown Author and Chianti Wine Guide

My quest to meet author and wine enthusiast Dario Castagno actually began a few months before my second trip to Tuscany.

I had read one of Dario’s books, A Day in Tuscany – More Confessions of a Chianti Tour Guide, an entertaining collection of short stories about Dario’s mischievous “formative” years in Tuscany sprinkled with colorful folklore. The stories were both amusing and cleverly written with tidbits of historical facts thrown in the mix. Touted by many as a keen observer, Dario artfully embraces the anima (spirit) of the characters in each book, bringing the stories to life with wit and ease.

Besides being a great storyteller, apparently Dario was also a bit of a free spirit in his younger years! He had formed a wine tour company called the Rooster Tours, aptly named after Chianti’s Gallo Nero (Black Rooster) signature wine consortium symbol. His zany adventures toting American tourists around the Chianti countryside for more than a decade was the catalyst for several other books, Too Much Tuscan Sun – Confessions of a Chianti Tour Guide, Too Much Tuscan Wine and An Osteria in Chianti. Light, fun reads!

From the start, I was enthralled with Dario’s stories of Tuscany and wanted to meet this man who shared my passion of writing and great love of wine! Up to this point, I really had no preconceived ideas of who Dario Castagno was or even if he was still in the wine tour business. However, It didn’t take long to find Dario! Yes, he is still in the wine tour business, very much so as a matter of fact, and has a great website showcasing his books and tours www.dariocastagno.com

Fattoria Tregole ~ Restored 16th century Agriturismo & Winery — Fattoria Tregole ~ B & B with Boutique Winery in Tregole, situated in the heart of Chianti

[Read more…]

Marzo Pazzo Indeed!

April 17, 2013 by Deborah Mines

View of Radicafoni from Il Poggio — View of Radicofani from Il Poggio

When I told a family friend in Firenze (Florence) that I was returning to Tuscany in mid-March for the Easter holidays, he said, “Marzo Pazzo”! which roughly translates to “Crazy March”. Indeed it was, at least weather-wise. Not knowing quite what to expect from the weather, I packed lots of warm sweaters and a heavy jacket.

Stepping off the airplane in Firenze, the thermometer read only 1 degree Celsius! Surely it wasn’t cold enough to snow, or was it?

Medieval Borgo of Celle Sul Rigo, Population 300

[Read more…]

Vino Nobile ~ Wines of Distinction

March 13, 2013 by Deborah Mines

Contucci Palace - right side of piazza; Entrance to Il Consorzio del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano - left of well — Contucci Palace – right side of piazza;
Entrance to Il Consorzio del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano – left of well

So what’s in a name? The name, Vino Nobile, refers to a “noble” wine of great quality and dates back to the mid-18th century. Vino Nobile was considered the prize wine of many aristocratic families in the Montepulciano area, so hence its name. In 1828, Giuseppe Contucci, one of the fore fathers of the promotion of Vino Nobile, sparked international interest in the Italian and foreign wine markets.

The Contucci Palace is located in the Piazza Grande and is a stellar example of Renaissance period architecture. The Contucci Palace wine cellars are the only wine cellars in the historic centro of Montepulciano that houses a full working wine production facility. Visitors can tour the cellars and then visit the fantastic wine shop, Contucci Cantina, located on the first floor of the magnificent Contucci Palace. The wine tasting list is extensive, and the wines are superb! One of my favorite wines is the 2008 Mulinvecchio Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. [Read more…]