During the European Wine Bloggers Post Conference Chianti Classico tour we visited Badia a Coltibuono Wine Estate. Badia a Coltibuono Wine Estate was once an abbey. The abbey (badia) was built by the Vallombrosa monks in the 11th century. In fact the original Latin name for the abbey “Cultus Boni” exemplifies what today’s owners envision as a “Culture of the earth, of the spirit, and of good taste”. Badia a Coltibuono is now a successful agritourism business operated by the Strucchi Prinetti family. The family honors past traditions while creating a special place where food, wine and sustainable practices are also honored. The wine estate, which uses organic methods, has been certified as organic since 2000. The estate includes vineyards (70 hectares), olive groves (20 hectares) and a forest (700 hectares).
When we arrived at the estate we were divided into two groups. One group toured the abbey’s wine cellars and the other watched a cooking demonstration by Badia a Coltibuono's chef, Andrea Gagnesi.
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| Chef Andrea Gagnesi making Pappa al Pomodoro © Spaswinefood |
The chef demonstrated how to make Pappa al Pomodoro. Fellow wine blogger, Magnus Reuterdahl filmed the cooking demonstration (part one and two). Check it out if you would like a great introduction to the uniqueness of Tuscan cuisine. Also, check out Wine Country GETAWAYS post on Pappa al Pomodoro.
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| Pappa al Pomodoro © Spaswinefood |
After the cellar tour and cooking demonstration we dined in the estate restaurant.
Dinner at 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.
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Emanuela & Roberto hosting the wine bloggers © Spaswinefood
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We started dinner with an appetizer and wine.
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| Table Setting at Badia a Coltibuono © Spaswinefood |
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| Meat and Cheese Appetizer © Spaswinefood |
Next, we were served Pappa al Pomodorro Soup.
The soup was followed by an entrée.
During dinner we got to sample a variety of Badia a Coltibuono wines, including 2001, 2007 and 2008 Chinati Classico. I particularly liked their 2007 Chianti Classico Reserva. Snooth provides a review of Badia a Coltibuono wines, as does Kyle Phillip's 2009 wine review and Wine Weekly.
We finished dinner with a chocolate dessert, paired with Badia a Coltibuono Vin Santo Del Chianti Classico.
Our visit to Badia a Coltibuono was a special treat. There is nothing like a great food and wine experience at the end of the day. Our visit to Badia a Coltibuono illustrates that it is not just for the wine, which is fabulous but Tuscany also has great cuisine. Italian cuisine has a great history. While Italian food has always been appealing for me, each region of Italy contributes its uniqueness to the overall picture. Tuscan cuisine however, is all about simplicity. Tuscan foods are best characterized by their freshness. The dining experience that we had at Badia a Coltibuono Wine Estate Restaurant embodied the wonderful characteristics of simplicity and freshness. The result was excellent tasting cuisine.
If your travels take you to Tuscany put Badia a Coltibuono Wine Estate on your list. Badia a Coltibuono offers wine tasting, tours, cooking classes and accommodations. Cellar Tours and Wine Doctor provide excellent descriptions of this wine estate. I also invite you to join me in my travels in search of the best in Spaswinefood.
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| Pappa al Pomodorro Soup © Spaswinefood |
The soup was followed by an entrée.
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| Beans with Pork Loin Entrée © Spaswinefood |
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| Great Vegetarian Entrée © Spaswinefood |
During dinner we got to sample a variety of Badia a Coltibuono wines, including 2001, 2007 and 2008 Chinati Classico. I particularly liked their 2007 Chianti Classico Reserva. Snooth provides a review of Badia a Coltibuono wines, as does Kyle Phillip's 2009 wine review and Wine Weekly.
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| Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico 2008 |
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| Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Reserva 2007 |
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| Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico 2001 |
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| Awesome Chocolate with Biscotti © Spaswinefood |
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| Badia a Coltibuono Vin Santo Del Chianti Classico © Spaswinefood |
If your travels take you to Tuscany put Badia a Coltibuono Wine Estate on your list. Badia a Coltibuono offers wine tasting, tours, cooking classes and accommodations. Cellar Tours and Wine Doctor provide excellent descriptions of this wine estate. I also invite you to join me in my travels in search of the best in Spaswinefood.
Sharon
January 2012
Chianti Classico, Tuscany
© Spaswinefood
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Other Spaswinefood Chianti Classico posts include:
1. Paolo Cianferoni's Caparsa Wine Estate, Radda
2. Castello di Brolio Wine Estate
Other Spaswinefood Chianti Classico posts include:
1. Paolo Cianferoni's Caparsa Wine Estate, Radda
2. Castello di Brolio Wine Estate
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