“A road map of Tuscany in hand, the list of open wine cellars downloaded from www.movimentoturismovino.it in the glove compartment, and a desire for new eno-discoveries: the basics for starting off on the Open Cellars experience. And, given that the territory is so vast, I will offer some directions to the cantinas that are the most beautiful and most “generous.”
One of the areas closest to Florence is Chianti RUFINA (which spans from southern Florence towards the Consuma Pass). First stop at the Castello di Nipozzano, which produces Mormoreto, and then a bit farther along to the enchanting Pomino Farm (both under the Frescobaldi brand), which produces a white wine from one of the highest elevation vineyards in Tuscany (700 metres).
Another area that must be visited this Sunday is the CHIANTI CLASSICO region. Start from CASTELLINA IN CHIANTI at the Castello di Fonteruotoli and the cantina Castellare di Castellina. Then, move on to the area of GAIOLE IN CHIANTI, where the impressive cantinas of the Baron Ricasoli at Castello di Brolio, one of the big name winemakers, is a must. After that, I recommend a trip to Tenuta di Coltibuono.
In GREVE IN CHIANTI, I suggest stopping by the Villa Calcinaia and the Castello di Verrazzano, which is the home of Giovanni da Verrazzano, the man who discovered New York Bay and, after whom, a New York bridge has been named. Here you can buy an original “Minituscan.”
RADDA IN CHIANTI has many treats to offer: heading up to VOLPAIA one can visit the beautiful cantinas of the same name – note that visits are only available at certain times. Then head back down toward Radda for a stop at the pleasant Pruneto Estate, perched on top of a hill, and the Terreno Farm. Castello D’Albola is a larger winery. Another mandatory stop must be made at Colle Bereto, whose proprietors own the bar in Piazza Strozzi in Florence, and is a bit of paradise on earth.
But I must particularly emphasise a visit to Dievole in CASTELNUOVO BERARDENGA (SI), which is in a breathtaking location, and whose owners, both hospitable and generous, organise a delightful tasting itinerary that ends in the main cellars accompanied by music and special Pecorino cheeses.
In the land of Brunello, MONTALCINO, it is obligatory to pay homage to one of the temples of wine, Castello di Poggio alle Mura dei Banfi, as well as the farm of Silvio Nardi, which offers a delicious red.
For those who would like to combine a bit of the sea with wine-tasting, then I recommend heading out to the many wine producers in Maremma, the Etruscan Coast, and the area of Bolgheri. At SUVERTO, the Petra Cellar is worth visiting.
Finally, remember to be curious and go to the smaller wineries that are hidden throughout the countryside. This is the only way you can really become a wine explorer. If you find something worth mentioning, write to me about it so I can keep it in mind for next year’s Cantine Aperte.”
Marco Badiani
