Archive for 'Wineries & Breweries'

While Chianti may be the most famous wine region in both Italy and Tuscany, it is not the only celebrated wine region in the country or the region. Tuscany is also home to Carmignano, a Tuscan wine region centered on the city of Carmignano, about 10 miles northwest of Florence. It has been praised for the high quality of its wines since the Middle Ages and was even singled out and favoured by Cosimo III de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. Protected since the 18th century, it was awarded Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) status in 1975 and subsequently promoted to Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) status in 1990.

Montaione is a stunning Tuscan village in the Province of Florence that is, potentially, the most beautiful town in all of Tuscany; a rather big claim, we are aware, but not a baseless one. Perched up high on a hill, accessible only by winding mountain roads snaking through thickly wooded surroundings, this lesser-known gem is wildly picturesque, though, perhaps, not the most happening spot in the world. However, if you are looking to well and truly get away from it all for a while, why not find a luxury villa in Florence and spend a day in the stunning surroundings of this incredibly peaceful hamlet?

Far off the typical tourist route, away from long queues and bustling crowds and steeped in preserved natural beauty and cultural gems, the town has more to offer than first meets the eye. While the town does not have its own vineyards, which is a reason that many of its young people have left for elsewhere and more job opportunities, it is located in the Elsa Valley.

Italy is quite famous for her cheeses and several of them are integral to Italian cuisine. In fact, Parmesan and Mozzarella have both become staples of fridges the world over and can be found in all sorts of dishes.

Another popular Italian cheese is Pecorino, a cheese made from 100% sheep’s milk. There are six varieties have received Protected Designation of Origin status with Pecorino Romano being one of the most ancient types of cheese and one of the most famous outside of Italy.

The cheese can only be produced on the islands of Sardinia, in Lazio and in the Tuscan Province of Grosseto and has a history that dates back to the Roman times – as the name might suggest – when it was a staple of the diet of soldiers at war. The cheese is even mentioned in the writings of the likes of Pliny the Elder, Hippocrates and Columella.

In our last article we discussed how wine is a good reason to visit Tuscany and mentioned some of the best places to learn about, taste and fully experience wine and the culture of wine in the region.

However, we had a few more suggestions that we couldn't squeeze in so here are two more places that are a must for any wine lovers doing a tour of Tuscany.

Montepulciano is famous for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, one of three great Sangiovese DOCG zones in Tuscany. The wine was first documented in 789 AD when a cleric, Arnipert, offered the church of San Silvestre some vineyards attached to the castle of Policiano.

Wine is a good reason to visit Tuscany but, if it's of particular interest, where should you go to try it? Lucky for you, we've compiled a list of some of the best places to learn about, taste and fully experience wine and the culture of wine in Tuscany.

Castello di Ama is a famous winery located in the medieval Tuscan village of Ama in the middle of the Chianti wine region.

The setting is picturesque and the village, itself, is an incredibly charming collection of buildings largely dating to the 18^th century and is almost entirely owned by Lorenza Sebasti and Marco Pallanti, the couple who run the winery.