Can you think of a merrier place to spend Christmas than in cantina? The concept almost sees me cancelling my flights north, but at least these pre-Natale events make stocking up on Tuscan tinctures simpler than Santa’s job of sliding down the chimney.
140 years young
Ruffino is a Tuscan treasure: 140 years of putting people first, providing jobs and marketing Italy with verve through vino. Now you can raise a glass to the American-owned thoroughly Tuscan winery at Natale in Cantina on Saturday, December 16 at Ruffino’s flagship winery Poggio Casciano. Taste the wines, enjoy a tour of the elegant cellar and take advantage of the day’s discounts to stockpile for your Christmas cellar: bubbles beckon (Rosatello Cuvèe Perlage is a beaut), be wowed by whites like La Solatia, a refined made-in-Monteriggioni pinot grigio, then dive decadently into the reds (Riserva Ducale Oro is a must for its history, plus maybe even a silky and seductive Greppone Mazzi because Brunello is best). Local food products will be on hand and there’ll even be fun for the little ones.
Natale in Cantina, December 16, 11am-9pm.
Tenuta Ruffino di Poggio Casciano, via Poggio al Mandorlo 1, Loc. Quarate, Bagno a Ripoli
On the road between Grassina and San Polo in Chianti / 055 6499712 / hospitality@ruffino.it
Cold cuts and Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico is a winter wonderland with all of the beauty and none of the busyness. Leave urban holiday shopping behind and treat yourself while treating others at Castello Vicchiomaggio.
The wine shop is open at the weekend throughout December: a chance to taste the estate’s award-winning Chianti Classico Riserva (expect ripe fruit on the nose and cherries on the taste buds), the 100% Sangiovese Gran Selezione and “Ripe delle More” IGT Toscana, plush and plummy. Locally made Tuscan cheeses and cold cuts are part of the package.
Castello Vicchiomaggio, via Vicchiomaggio 4, Greve in Chianti / 055 854078 / www.vicchiomaggio.it
Remember!
On December 8-10, Tuscany’s wineries open their doors for a Christmas edition of Cantine Aperte.
Full list of participating wineries: www.mtvtoscana.com
