Cannonau – Sardegna’s Red Wine as rich as the culture

An autochthon grape according to some, others say it is a local version of Granache imported from the hills of Spain. The discrepancy is born in who had the grape first. The Sards will say that it was Spain who took Cannonau to Spain during the Avalon period. The Spaniards will say that they brought the grape to Sardegna during their period of expansion. No matter where the truth lies, Cannonau invokes images of the Savage and beautiful island of Sardegna. Many northern Italians have a sense of fear of Cannonau. The common knowledge is that Cannonau is a strong wine not for the masses.

Perhaps the stereotype exists because most Cannonau is consumed on the island of Sardegna where the foods are flavorful and sometimes push the envelope of taste. My first experience was in Cagliari while working on a six month project for the local bank. Sardinians are extremely hospitable. During my stay I was never left to eat dinner alone. Top level management would take turns during the week taking me to local restaurants or dining in their home with the family. It was a full immersion experience into a world of extremes. Foods would include raw fish, snails, lamb, mountain goat, and incredible cheeses. It was my first experience sucking live snails out of their shells, accompanied by several bottles of Cannonau. I had always heard that Cannonau was a full bodied structured wine with a hell of a kick. Somehow with the snails, eel and baby fish marinated in vinegar the wine went down very smooth and easy.

The greatest pleasure was to see a 1.5 liter bottle of dark nectar appear on the table closed with a screw cap and no label or sticker written by hand with the year of the vintage. Each family had their own reserve hidden away in the cellar and they would share. Each wine was slightly different but perfectly matched to the basic tastes that the matriarchs made available on the elaborate tables.

Occasionally, on Friday or Saturday nights, when the morning after could be consumed sleeping, a bottle of white liquid would appear along with hard cookies and coffee. It was Grappa of Cannonau. I have never found the grappa outside of Sardegna but should it become available it is worth keeping a bottle to complete a Cannonau dinner.

Cannonau is not widely distributed outside of Sardegna. Even in Italy it is not common to find a selection of Cannonau available. Some restaurants specializing in Sardinian cooking will have a few bottles. Do not be afraid. It is the perfect compliment for the savory plates for which Sardegna is so famous.


Sella & Mosca 2004 Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva - Grenache Red Wine

Tags: Cannonau Sardegna Red Wine Italian Wine Sommelier Food and Wine Travel Italy

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Tuscany seen from the inside

It is not often that I pimp another site. The exceptions are sites that offer something truly unique. The Italian Wine Guy offers a view of wine, culture and the US in a way that can be useful in finding balance in life. Recently I found, actually he found me, an expat in Tuscany. Discover Soriano views daily life in the Tuscan town of Soriano. He includes great information about how to live the Tuscan experience.

I believe he organizes specialty vacations like culinary tours and wine tours. I like the site because it has great information and detail on the area. While View Italy talks more generally about Italy I believe the best way to vacation is to go into one area and stay there for the entire time. Learn everything you can about the food, the wine, the local products, and the people. This will mean that you may have some down time but after all, this is a vacation. You should relax and rejuvenate.

Check out this Tuscan Information Center and let me know what you think.

Tags: Italian Vacations Tuscany Soriano Wine Vacations Travel Italy

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Festa del Barolo – September - A Celebration of Wine & Culture

In the land of the king of wines a two day celebration of flavors has just concluded. Every year during in the first 15 days of September the town of Barolo holds its annual festival. Lover’s of food and wine alike wait, with anticipation, for one of the most antique town festivals of the Langhe. The Festa del Barolo is not just about wine. It is an occasion to experience the traditions and culture that go into the production of the king of wines.


The city of Barolo has organized the festival as a guided tour. The trip begins with an exhibition of local artists. The cultural exposure lasts just about an hour. There is time for caffe and cornetti before beginning the full immersion tour of the culinary delights of the Langhe. The hour long visit to the artist’s booths is one of the few occasions to meet a wide range of local artists.



Barolo is known for wine and Piemonte is known for its exquisite dishes. At one time this was the home to kings. The traditional recipes are a unique experience for the refined palate. The food and wine tour begins at 10:30. A visit to each of the local producers offers new flavors:


Salumi d'anatra (seasoned and cured duck meats), coppa and filet al Barolo
Appetizers of Piemonte, Eggplant wraps with tuna and capers, crostone con crema ghiotta
Veal, lard spiked with honey, Cured and cooked fresh Salami al Barolo
Agnolotti with a red meat sauce
Sapori umbri di Spello
Fried Mushrooms
Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Imperia
Parisian snails and snail fritatta
Stuffed Bell Peppers filled with Mushrooms, Salami and cheeses
Tinche di Ceresole in carpione
Risotto al Barolo
Ravioli Butter and Sage
The latest release of Barolo DOCG
Castelmagno, Bra, Valle Sacra, Caprino Dolce, Herb Pecorino
Margaro, Murazzano, Rashera and Sejrass del Fen cheeses.

These are just a few of the delights. Some of the after dinner digestive dishes are:

Cheese and Honey, Grape Mostarda, Wine Jello
Nebbiolo Grappa Sorbet
Chocolate covered Peaches
Barolo di Barolo
Barolo Chinato offered with various selections of chocolate

Two days does not seem to be long enough to get through this smorgasbord of luxurious treats.

The month of September is a great time to visit Piemonte. The new wines are in the vats and with the cooler temperatures the food is more satisfying. The Festa di Barolo is one event not to miss. Perhaps a longer vacation could include Barolo and Barbaresco to then culminate in the Fiera del Tartufo in Alba!

Tags: Italian Vacations Piemonte Barolo Wine Vacations Travel Italy Fall Vacations

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Piemonte is Wine, Castles, and great Food – Hotel Castello di Sinio

Piemonte has it all; great wines, extravagant culinary compositions, cheeses, tartufo and culture. Usually you will have to visit at least a couple of different locations to get the full immersion in true Italian life. In the land of Nebbiolo, Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera you can find it all together at the Hotel Castello di Sinio. Hotel Castello di Sinio is a renovated Medieval Castle nestled in the hills of the Langhe.

The XII century castle maintains the allure of times past while offering modern amenities. The hotel has 18 rooms furnished with epic furniture. The floor to ceiling stonewalls and heavy chestnut beams create an atmosphere of opulence and protection. Beds are all extra large with double mattresses and are fitted with down comforters, one for spring and one for winter. All rooms have large private bathrooms with spacious glass shower stalls, beautiful stone tiles and completely modern fixtures and electricity. You will find we have the most up to date conveniences such as individual room heating and air-conditioning, satellite TV, direct dial telephones, Internet & fax to make your stay ultra comfortable and hassle free.

The restaurant provides traditional regional cuisine with the flair of a King’s court. Denise and Jay, the restaurant owners and chefs, open from Thursday through Sunday. Denise tells of their passion:

“Our menu selections tend to be limited but are always prepared with the finest ingredients we can find. While the fare is very, very traditionally Piemontese it almost always holds some surprises of less well known recipes or combinations that have been inspired from research and always based on precedence. From ancient Piemontese rural recipes that we love resurrecting to hidden mountain valley traditions to the cuisine of nobility that comes straight from the royal court of the House of Savoy (the long time rulers of Piedmont), we strive to add a memorable dimension to your Piemontese enogastronomic experience.”

The wine cellar includes some of the best wines in the world. Interestingly the hotel has brought in Wine Specialist and Author KERIN O'KEEFE. Once a month she takes hotel guests to the major vineyards and producers in the area. Hotel Castello di Sinio is located right in the heart of the Barolo and Barbaresco wine producing areas. The area is home to about 750 wineries that produce 2 of the 10 most important wines in the world. The Castle is located within 5 to 10 minutes of all the major Barolo producers and within about 20 minutes of all the major Barbaresco producers.

The Hotel Castle di Sinio is the perfect destination to live and learn the Piemontese lifestyle. It is a great base. Within a few minutes by car there are 100s of marvelous unknown restaurants and 100s of wineries. Cultural events like the symphony and opera are just a few minutes away in Alessandria. The views of the hills of the Langhe are truly unique. It is a great place to hide from the world and rejuvenate the soul with great food and wine.

Hotel Castello di Sinio
Vicolo del Castello 1
12050 Sinio (CN)
Piedmont, Italy
Telephone: 0173.263.889

ags: Italian Vacations Alba Piemonte Travel Tips Travel Italy Wine+Vacations Hotels

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2007 Italian grape harvest down 13% - Wine prices to rise 20%

The lover of old world wines in America is under siege. The falling dollar has significantly increased the cost of imported wines. Mother nature has given the wine lover another blow. The 2007 Italian grape harvest was the earliest in 70 years and the quantity is down 13%. The 2006/2007 winter season was one of the driest in 20 years followed by the hottest April in 50 years. Then came August with its torrid heat and the result is an early harvest and a reduction in the quantity of as much as 50%.

In this scenario not all wines suffer. Prosecco registered increases as high as 100% but success stories are few and far between. The Association of wine producers assures us that the quality is excellent however my experience is that when the weather does not cooperate the harvest is not as good. If the 2007 Vintage follows historical patterns some of the best Italian wines will not be produced. It also means that production runs will result in fewer bottles. Lower quantities will most likely result in higher prices. Things just are not going our way.

Do not despair. This is the sure way to know that your wine is made by authentic methods with heirloom grapes. This is the real stuff. True quality sometimes will cost a little more. The 2007 Vintage of 2007 may produce some very unique wines, something that cannot be repeated again until another unusual season comes along. So try the wines. If you find something you like a great deal you want to buy some extra bottles and put them away.

Tags: Grape Harvest Red Wine Italian Wine White Wine Sommelier Food and Wine Travel Italy

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A week in the Langhe - a Fantasy Vacation in a Monastery

Some of the greatest wines in the world are produced in Piemonte. The Langhe could be considered the heart of the Piemontese wine industry. We are not just talking about Nebbiolo, Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera. We are also talking about Roero Arneis. Historically the local cuisine is elaborate and complex. The Langhe was the favorite vacation destinations for the Kings in Turin. This brought the best chefs and winemakers to this small area in Piemonte. Numerous small castles and monasteries are found in this area. They are smaller than the palaces in Turin or Alessandria but are still castles with 3 foot wide walls fabricated with hand cut and fitted stone.

Monasteries are very similar to castles. They may have been filled with monks but they are formidable fortresses with limited access routes, internal water and food sources and dominating tactical positions making them easy to defend. These characteristics also give them marvelous views and a wonderful ambiance. These hidden gems are a unique opportunity for a once in a lifetime experience of culture, food and wine.

A recent article showcased a neat agriturismo in Alba. The Relais San Maurizio Hotel of the Monastery S. Stefano Belbo is the opposite end of the vacation experience. The XV century monastery was recently restructured. The renovation maintained the original structure and façade. The cellars cleaned but left amazingly authentic. Every little corner of this hotel holds something interesting from the river stone walls to the arched brick ceiling of the wine tasting room. Ceilings are hand painted murals with support beams intricately carved images and decorated in gold leaf.

The services are also at the top end of luxury. The hotel offers complete spa facilities as well as conference rooms and high-speed Internet access. The restaurant prepares regional dishes with gnocchi, tartufo, stewed meats, wild game, elaborate sauces and wonderful cheeses. The wines of Piemonte are all available to compliment these marvelous culinary creations. Gaja, Giacosa, Ceretto, Produttori del Barbaresco, Giuseppe Cortesi and many others are always available.

This hotel is in a great position geographically. It is located just south of hills of Monferrato (Turin), north of Genova, east of Cuneo, and a hop skip and a jump from Asti. More information about this hotel is available at:

Relais San Maurizio - Hotel del Monastero
Località San Maurizio, 39
Italy - 12058 S.Stefano Belbo (CN)

Tel.: + 39 0141 841900
Fax. +39 0141 843833

e-mail: info@relaissanmaurizio.it

Tags: Italian Vacations Piedmont Alessandria Castles Travel Italy Wine Vacations

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Italian Grape Harvest 3 weeks early in 2007

Whether climate change or a cyclical rotation of weather patterns, the temperature in Italy is significantly higher than normal. Grape harvest will come about 3 weeks earlier this year due to a warmer than normal winter and a scorching hot summer. This year the harvest will begin earlier than any year in the past 30 years. The Italian Wine Union believes that the quality will be good and in some cases exceptional however 2007 will be remembered as the year of pest attacks.

Volumes will be slightly down over 2006 and sugar contents higher resulting in wines with higher alcohol content. In 2003 the harvest and resulting wine was ok. 2003 was also a year very similar to 2007 with an early harvest and high sugar content. While the Wine Producers are talking about good to exceptional I would think that the 2007 wines will be fair to moderate, just like 2003. This further supports my suggestion to buy Italian 2006 vintages (considered the best in the last 100 years) across the board.

Wine is a natural product. It is the result of land, competency, and luck. This should not be taken to indicate that you should not purchase 2007 wines, simply that they will, most likely, not be the same level as 2006. The lower end wines will suffer less since they are not looking for the subtle complexity of flavors evident in a great aging wine. If the producers of the high-end wines realized the weather patterns early enough they will have reduced their production per acre thus maintaining quality.

I think this will have two different effects on prices although I defer to Italian Wine Guy for a more competent view of pricing. The first is that lower end wines, those under 25$ for reds and 18$ for whites, will decrease or maintain current pricing. For the higher end wines, those above 50$ for reds and 25$ for whites, prices will increase and volume will significantly decrease. I am not sure how prices will react on those great medium-priced wines I love so much.

If you have already planned your wine vacation to coincide with the harvest, there is little to do. If you were not thinking about visiting some of the vineyards because your trip was too early this may be a great opportunity.

The harvest of the so-called early grapes - Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Primitive - is now expected to begin in early August. August, rather than September, will also see the harvest of most of the wine crop, including Trebbiano, Sangiovese, Barbera and Merlot grapes. The harvest of late-maturing grapes, which are usually picked towards the middle of October, is now expected some time in September.

These include the Aglianico, Nebbiolo, Cabernet and Raboso varieties.

Tags: Wine Harvest White Wine Italian Wine Red Wine Sommelier Food and Wine Travel Italy

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Agriturismo Villa la Favorita –Alba – Wine, honey, and Cucina Piemontese

Piedmont is a great fall and winter vacation destination. The Italian Alps just a short drive away, some of the best wines in the world concentrated in a small area, honey farms on most every hill and some of the most refined Italian cuisine with wild game, hearty roasts and sauces, tartufo and cheeses that will knock your socks off. If that were not enough there is an agriturismo, located about one mile from the city center of Alba, that offers all of this in one place. Agriturismo Villa la Favorita is a little known agriturismo on the road to Cherasco.

The primary residence was built in the early 900s and recently restructured to permit guest. The agriturismo is located on 10,000 mt2. Most of the land is planted with fruit trees and grapevines. This is the land of Nebbiolo. Villa la Favorita produces Nebbiolo d’Alba and Grignolino Piemonte. This is a family owned and operated agriturismo. Signora Roberta greets her guests with a wonderful and comforting smile. A quick tour around the kitchen and common areas and it is off to your room, one of only six, with a view of ancient Alba.

The day’s activities start with a luxurious breakfast of fresh fruits, obviously from the farm, warm breads and other local sweets. While you are enjoying your coffee on the lemon grove terrace you can plan a trip to the winery, a daytrip to Barbaresco or Barolo, a day in the vineyards, a visit to the honey production facilities, or rent bikes or scooters to check out Alba. How about a day with Sally? Sally is a truffle dog. Most of the year she is a playful companion but from September to December she will accompany you in search of the best truffles in the world.

Be sure your plans include returning to the Agriturismo by early evening. Villa la Favorita offers cooking classes for groups of 4 to 8 people. The recipes are traditional Piemontese and will be your dinner accompanied by the agriturismo’s wine. If this were not enough you are just a hop, skip and jump away from Barbaresco and Barolo.

Villa la Favorita is a great little place made better by the presence and passion of the owner. It is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of Alba and enjoy the balance of the land, the food, the wine and obviously the new friends you will make.

Tags: Italian Vacations Alba Piedmont Agriturismo Travel Italy Wine+Vacations

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Ornellaia 2004 Tenuta dell’Ornellaia Bolgheri

In 1981 Marchese Antinori purchased numerous small vineyards in and around Bolgheri. The Italian wine industry was in turmoil. The area of the Super Tuscans was having a terrible time and the small farmers were looking for a way out. Antinori, one of the larger Italian winemakers took advantage of the moment and bought the best vineyards of the area. He was a savvy businessman. Instead of incorporating the vineyards into his existing structure he kept the personnel and the previous owners in the purchased properties he allowed them to keep making their traditional wines with the resources of the larger company. Some of the great success stories are Tenuta dell’Ornellaia and Tenuta Guado al Tasso.

Recently many of these properties have been sold. Robert Mondavi purchased Tenuta dell’Ornellaia in 1997. In 2002 Frescobaldi purchased half of the company and in 2005 acquired the remaining 50%. While the ownership has changed the personnel making the wine has remained the same. It is true that each owner influenced, to certain extent, the final taste of the wine however it has remained consistently a very good wine. Ornellaia is relatively expensive. Most often it will price over 150$.

Ornellaia 2004 Tenuta dell’Ornellaia Bolgheri is a marvelous blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon; 25% Merlot; 12% Cabernet Franc; 3% Petit Verdot. We just recently tasted this wine. It still needs at least 3 years before I would consider opening it. If you do drink this wine in 2007 or 2008 give it plenty of time to breath. The wine will balance and the flavors amalgamate as the longer it is open. The company’s representative told me that 2004 was a fantastic year. Unfortunately, my imagination and future vision is not that good thus I can say this is a good vintage. I would drink it, even at its young age but I cannot say that it will become one of the greats.

The bouquet is alluring, with a bold, svelte darkness of ripe cherry and blackcurrant, hints of mint and chocolate, and a savory, slightly more austere and dusty, smoky quality in the background.
The oak is very well integrated already, with some cedar and vanillin notes lying beneath the fruit. On the palate this is medium- to full-bodied and immensely rich and concentrated, yet there is an immediate sense of freshness too, with tight, supple tannins and freshening cherry acidity adding structure and bite to the wine. Ornellaia has always been one of our favorites. If past production is any indication of the future this will be a great wine and will age well in the cellar, refining and finding greatest balance for well over 15 years.

Tags: Ornellaia Red Wine Italian Wine Tuscany Sommelier Food and Wine Travel Italy

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The Islands of the Tuscan Coast – Isola d’Elba

The Island of Elba is the third largest Island of Italy. It is located about 10 km off the Tuscan shores in an area of 600 km of sea that makes up part of the National Park of the Arcipelago Toscano. Italian Wine Guy reminisced about times past, hiking in the Italian countryside, and living the Italian lifestyle away from the major tourist destinations. Isola d’Elba is one of those locations that foreign tourists will most likely never see. Italians love Island of Elba for its simpler environment, the beach and the sun.

The Island of Elba has been a favorite destination since before the Roman Empire. The crystal clear waters and florid forests make this island a patch of greenery in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. It became one of my favorite spots during my sailing days. One of my favorite trips was the “traversata”. The traversata is a trip from Livorno to Sardegna. The traversata is a marvelously relaxing trip. The islands just of the Tuscan coast were a great first stop for lunch even though just an hour into the voyage.

I learned that the island produces several local young wines. Two whites, two reds and sweet wine are part of the local arsenal. I cannot think of any one great restaurant because everywhere we ate was fantastic. The foods seemed to explode with flavor and while I am not a big fan of young wines, the balance was perfect. There are numerous Agriturismo in just about every port and are great place to get away from it all for a week or so. The hotels, outside of the month of August, are reasonably priced and the service is excellent.

The island’s popularity is increasing. This has had a negative impact on the vineyards as many farmers have let their vines go dedicating their resources to the tourist. The vineyards are sculpted into the hills and can be very difficult to work. These vineyards are not accessible with modern machinery so if you have the opportunity to stay at an Agriturismo with a vineyard plan on spending a day or two working the vines. It will create an appreciation for the art of winemaking.

If you do not have a local contact a great Agriturismo is Montefabrello just outside Portoferraio. The primary residence was built in the early 1900s and recently restructured with most of the modern comforts. Each room has a small kitchen even though the rates are “all inclusive” and the family run Agriturismo offers some very good regional dishes. They have several vineyards and will serve the house wines with local plates. For those who want to try some golf there is a truly unique 9 hole course within a couple of miles. The views are spectacular.

Tags: Italian Vacations Island Vacations Agriturismo Tuscany Travel Italy

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Wine Tour Italy – Open Cellars Memorial Day Weekend

I have found there are two times during the year when a tour on the Italian wine trail becomes more interesting. The harvest in October is a unique occasion to participate in the wine making process, from gathering the grapes to fermenting the wine. The second is during the spring when one can have the first tastes of last year’s production. Italy is all about tourism and the Wine Tourism Movement sponsors a nationwide tasting of the newly bottled wines. It is an opportunity to meet the producers, stay in some fantastic Agriturismo and get to know, first hand, about what is going to be available during the upcoming year.

Italy is expecting well over a million wine lovers and tourists to flock to some 1,000 vineyards taking part in this year's Open Cellars event. Now in its 15th year, Open Cellars has been a pioneer in developing Italy's wine tourism sector attracting over four million people to the Italian countryside. Aside from seeing where and how wine is made, and discovering the difference of tasting it at its source, Open Cellars offers visitors a chance to learn about traditions and culture linked to wine-making and country life.

Although wine is the chief focus, Open Cellars also offers tourists a chance to sample other farm products, especially olive oil, and feast on an array of regional foods and cuisine. The initiative, organised by the Wine Tourism Movement (MTV), originally began in Tuscany to then spread quickly to Italy's other wine-producing regions.

A number of special events have once again been organised in various Italian regions for the Open Cellars weekend. The region of Lombardy will reprise "dinners with winemakers" in a number of vineyards, historic homes and restaurants where visitors will be able to enjoy the region's best wines and foods while chatting with a local winemaker.

A cross-country bike rally has been organised in Friuli Venezia Giulia and the region will also offer Open Cellars 2007 souvenir glass wine goblets, the proceeds of which will be donated to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). In Emilia Romagna, wine tasting will be combined with sampling the region's varieties of bread, with each vineyard playing host to a local baker.

Tags: Italian Vacations Wineries Agriturismo Wine Tours Travel Italy

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Agriturismo Casa Caponetti – Wine, Olive Oil, Cooking School in Northern Lazio

With the dollar losing ground against the Euro many are thinking about postponing their vacations in Italy. This does not have to be the case. In the big cities of Milan, Rome, Florence and Venice the costs are significantly higher but choosing your destination with a bit of attention can result in a marvelous vacation at a very reasonable price. In southern Tuscany, just about 45 minutes north of Rome Agriturismo Casa Caponetti is a destination of full-immersion into provincial Italian culture. Casa Caponetti is in the land of some good wines but the best part about this Agriturismo is the combination of Olive Oil production and a cooking school. Yes, you can learn how to cook traditional dishes from the locals.

Casa Caponetti produces a wonderful Olive Oil with low acidity and an earthy flavor. As most producers they have a wide range of Virgin and Extra Virgin Oils. The top of the range is a cold press unfiltered Extra Virgin Oil. From its own 500 olive trees, Casa Caponetti produces organically a great Italian Olive Oils. The olives are picked by hand, early in November when the quality is at its best, and taken immediately to the mill. The mill is a traditional one, with an old millstone, where the oil is cold pressed. If you visit during the harvest you will have the opportunity to see how this oil is made.

Laura Caponetti Bezzi runs the cooking school. She has studied traditional Italian cooking. I am not kidding she has a degree in historical cuisine. Her culinary talents have been perfected over the years working in some of the most exclusive Italian restaurants including the Villa d’Este in Como. Her passion is regional cuisine and she will take you on a voyage through time, learning about the traditional elements and tricks of the Tuscan housewife. After a week with Laura you will not look at the farmer’s market in the same way.

The lodging is also a marvelous experience. The restructured provincial farmhouse has the commodities of modern life but the 2 ½ foot wide rock walls give you a feeling of another time. Each room looks out over the 400 acre yard, Olive Grove and vineyards. Horseback riding, hiking and other traditional Tuscan activities are available but a trip to this Agriturismo will most likely be spent in the kitchen, winery, garden, and dining room. This is not a destination for those looking for the shopping scene but is a great place to rejuvenate the body and soul and, of course, splurge in a marvelous culinary experience.

CASA CAPONETTI
Tenuta del Guado Antico
01017 Tuscania VT - Italia

Tel +39 0761 435792 - Fax +39 0761 444247


Tags: Italian Vacations Viterbo Agriturismo Olive Oil Travel Italy

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Poggio Antico – Not just a winery – Visit Montalcino

Vacationing in Montalcino. The great wines of Tuscany are not the only reason to visit this area. Many wineries not only make wine, but also produce Olive Oil and may have a small restaurant. I have found that while the wine may be really good the true attraction is one of the ancillary services they offer. Poggio Antico is one of these wineries. Located in Montalcino the restaurant is one of the best places to eat in the area. Considering this is in the heart of Tuscany that is saying something.

The Poggio Antico restaurant is owned by the winery but is run by the husband and wife team, Roberto e Patrizia Minnetti. The menu’ is constantly changing as the finest and freshest ingredients are employed to prepare traditional regional plates. The menu’ is also carefully choreographed to the elegant wines of the winery. Desserts are prepared in house and local cheeses are part of the attraction. The ambiance of the restaurant is that of a traditional Tuscan villa, elegant yet sober.

This restaurant is an opportunity to participate in a unique culinary experience, once part of even the simplest life but today rarely found. It is true balance at the dinner table. Foods prepared with local ingredients, Olive Oil for olives grown in the same ground as the grapes for the wines. Recipes perfected over the centuries to compliment the wines. Bruschetta made with the vineyard’s oil. Red wines, dessert wines and grappa all made from the same grapes grown in the same vineyard complete the experience.

An entire day could be planned around Poggio Antico. Visit the winery in the early afternoon followed by a tasting of this year’s production. A walk around the vineyards is the perfect way to stimulate the appetite before dinner at the Poggio Antico restaurant. The taxi ride back to the hotel should provide just enough time to digest the sumptuous meal before falling into a profound sleep for the night.

This is not a secret to the Italians so a bit of planning is appropriate. The company can be contacted by Tel/Fax 0577-849200 or email rist.poggio.antico@libero.it.

Tags: Italian Vacations Tuscany Montalcino Wine Tours Travel Italy

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