The Chianti Classico world of wine and food

Prior to the European Wine Bloggers Conference I started thinking, no dreaming about Tuscany. Tuscany is not only known for the wine, which is fabulous but Tuscany also has great cuisine.  Listening to the Wineguys Radio helped me prepare for a great wine and food adventure in the land of Chianti Classico. Chianti Classico vineyards and the whole landscape of Tuscany is so inviting.  What follows next is a brief introduction to winery visits during our post conference tour.

No where is the landscape more inviting than at Paolo Cianferoni's Caparsa Wine Estate.

View one from Caparsa Wine Estate © Spaswinefood

View two from Caparsa Wine Estate  © Spaswinefood

While in Tuscany I did wine tasting at Chianti Classico Wine Consortium (Santa Maria Al Prato Convent), Caparsa Wine Estate, Castello di Ama Wine Estate , Castello di Brolio Wine Estate and Vignmaggio Wine Estate.

My I-phone captures an I-pad in-progress photo of a Chianti Classico pose  © Spaswinefood

A number of Chianti Classico's wineries not only have great views but also bring rich historical backgrounds to winemaking. One of those is the Castillo di Brolio Wine Estate, the oldest winery in Italy. Castillo di Brolio's winemaking history dates back to 1141 when the Ricasolio family assumed ownership. Later in 1872 Baron Bettino Ricasoli wrote the original Chianti formula.

Castello di Brolio Wine Estate  © Spaswinefood

Wine bloggers in a reflective Chianti Classico pose © Spaswinefood

The Vignmaggio Wine Estate is another winery with an interesting history. The winery dates back to 1404. Mona Lisa was born there in1479. During our visit we toured the property and did a wine tasting. See Omne Wan's post on the Chianti Effect.

Wine Bloggers at Vignamaggio Wine Estate  © Spaswinefood

Late evening view of the countryside at Vignamaggio Wine Estate  © Spaswinefood

The Castello di Ama Wine Estate is know for its connection to art. During our visit in addition to touring the property and wine tasting we viewed several art installations.

View of the landscape at Castello di Ama Wine Estate  © Spaswinefood

Wine Bloggers reflections  on the art installation at Castello di Ama Wine Estate  © Spaswinefood

I will now highlight the culinary side. We all know that Italian cuisine has a great history. What is fascinating about Italian food is that each region's uniqueness contributes to what we know as Italian cuisine. What is unique about Tuscan cuisine however, is that it is all about simplicity. Tuscan food is best characterized by freshness and use of local ingredients. In this Spaswinefood Chianti Classico post I will share a glimpse into two fantastic dining experiences.

Badia A Coltibuono Wine Estate

At Badia A Coltibuono Wine Estate Emanuela Stucchi Prinetti  and her brother Roberto hosted a special dinner for the wine bloggers. The wonderful dinner was accompanied by excellent wine pairings.

Emanuela & Roberto hosting the wine bloggers  © Spaswinefood

Prior to dinner we were treated to a cooking demonstration by the chef. He made pappa al pomodoro. Fellow wine blogger, Magnus Reuterdahl filmed the cooking demonstration (part one and two). Watch it and you will get a great introduction to Tuscan cuisine.

Solo Cicca Ristaurante

Next evening we dined at Dario Cecchini's Solo Cicca Ristorante in Panzano, Tuscany. Dario Cecchini welcomed us with appetizers and wine. You might want to check out Joe Becerra's post where Janelle Becerra captures the event on video.

Appetizers  © Spaswinefood

Fellow wine bloggers (Magnus Reuterdahl and Elizabeth Gstarz) also videotaped some of our visit. There is also Jim Budd's post. Needless to say, we had fun that evening.

Our three-day Chianti Classico experience was fantastic. In the future I will do posts on the wineries visited.  This trip was so special because we got to experience wine and food in the homeland of Chianti Classico. The wine and food of Tuscany embodies the essence of living close to the land. While in Tuscany the wine bloggers stayed at My One Hotel and Relais Vignale in Radda. Special thanks to Sylvia, Geralado,  Paolo and all of our Chianti Classico hosts who totally spoiled us.

Now here's to a glass of Chianti Classico.

White rooster, no black rooster  © Spaswinefood

I invite you to join me in my travels through Italy in search of the best in Spaswinefood. 

Sharon

October 2011

Tuscany, Italy
© Spaswinefood

See other Spaswinefood posts on Italy:

1. An Italian Wine Adventure Begins

2. Discovering The Best of Milan (Milano), Italy

3. Food And Wine Adventures In Napoli, Italy

4. Venice In October

5. A Few Wine and Food Moments in Rome (Roma), Italy

See also Examiner articles:

1. Fall colors, grape harvest and great wines make Italy the perfect dream vacation

2. Full moon over Venice: A time for wine, food and masks