A few of my Favorite Things: ChiantiTwo years ago to this day, I set off on a wine tour into the Chianti countryside with 28 members of my family and a guide named Sara. Everyone agreed that it was a highlight of our trip and that is saying a lot considering there were truly no bad days. Today, I had the immense joy of accompanying a party of 19 on a tour into Chianti once again with Sara, this time as my partner. I awoke giddy with the knowledge of all the group would soon come to know. A drive deep into a heavily wooded terrain revealed the imposing Brolio Castle on the horizon. After greeting our guide, Susan, we entered through the drawn castle gate and spiraled up into the courtyard that flanked the "new" section and the original. The Castle has been in the Ricasole family for over 1000 years. Since they have been making wine at least that long, they are considerd the oldest family business in Italy. The armory, furnishings and various collections of curiosities are well preserved. A true example of a new Renaissance man, Bennito Ricasole was an artist, a statesman and a shrewd businessman to boot. The expansive views are so picturesque that even a group who has been in bella toscana for nearly a week were in awe of the sprawling countryside that laid out as far as the eye could see. What's more, it is this family, and their famous home, that is credited with the first recipe of original Chianti wine. I think we can all agree that thanks are in order...Mille Grazie! We officially experienced harvesting on a grand scale. The gathering, weighing, sorting and juicing of the grapes is an arduous and delicate process. To the people all over the world who drink it, we had the opportunity to pair Chianti at the Montirenaldi Villa, a private estate nestled in the countryside. Fine art, chandeliers, and frescoed cielings adorn the impressive yet cozy drawing rooms. Each time I eat here it feels as if I was personally invited by nobility. The food was presented in 4 courses and among the highlights for me were a 1983 Vin Santo served with desert. Imagine...this was produced when I was 2 years old!!! Last, but far far from least the Coltibuono Abbey. I can see the draw to become a holy steward, especially in the centuries past. There is simply no way to describe the peace of the mountains, the quiet solitude of the stone walls draping with ivy and the fountains and ornate drawing rooms that abound here. Here a soul may find peace. The clouds rolled in bringing whistling wind and a gentle mist as we sat together enjoying a lecture on wine, and the history of this stunning venue that now boasts accomodations, a restaurant and impressive wine produced in the fragrant underground of the old church. Yes, there is still a chapel on the property and the overall feeling was blissful and relaxed.
Home straight away to fit in a bit of shopping and dinner in our quaint corner of Chianti. I know that we are still in Italy but with all that surrounded us, The Sound of Music came to mind. Today "the hills are alive" and I enjoyed more than "a few of my favorite things."
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |