One of the many reasons why we love Italy is its boundless wine scene. If you’re unable to head for the Chianti hills or simply fancy trying a different spin on the usual sit-down tasting, then Tuscan Taste in via Romana is the place to go.
Varinia Cappelletti and her husband Edoardo Cecotto provide a thoughtful and fun wine experience in the historic Florentine space (think terracotta tiles) that they have lovingly renovated firsthand. Hot on the heels of Chef Vary’s hugely popular cooking classes (a spacious and immaculate marble kitchen lies at the back of the Oltrarno premises), this grocery store greets wine enthusiasts on the lookout for niche producers and an alternative learning experience.
Assembled around the long convivial table, customers often choose to take the wine blending class, which elevates the tasting experience to another level. Presented with samples of varietal wines that make up world-renowned Supertuscans (Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah), Vary and Edo talk you through the attributes of each grape, encouraging guests to develop their own tastes, while pinpointing specifics like the acidity, alcohol and tannins. It doesn’t matter if you’re a newbie or if you have a deeper knowledge of the wine world, the experienced and enthusiastic couple will tailor the tasting to your needs. Flavor and aroma wheels might be added to assist with picking out primary notes of cherries and plums, perhaps, prior to focusing on secondary and tertiary nuances of black pepper and leather. While enjoying a grazing board of Italian cheeses and cured meats, pipette in hand, you’ll be able to develop your very own IGT blend before pressing the cork into the bottle using an old-style cast-iron press. Next comes the fun moment of dipping the tip of the bottle in red wax and attaching a personalized label.
“We’ve had newly engaged couples come in and do this experience together as they celebrate one of the happiest moments of their life. The best part is that they get to take the bottle home with them as a memento. Sometimes they even choose to ship bottles of their personal blend back home,” explains Edoardo, as we sip a delicious sour beer served in a stylish glass. (The craft beer selection at Tuscan Taste is equally next level!) “Of course, it’s important to remember that this take on Supertuscan isn’t like the ones produced professionally by the region’s wineries. That’s a whole different story.”
That dedication to the wine world can be seen in the bottles lining the shelves at Tuscan Taste. From Chardonnay bubbles produced near San Gimignano to Ciliegiolo pickings from the Maremma, each bottle carries a label detailing the varietal, the main flavours and aromas, whether the wine is organic, natural or has been aged in oak, as well as easy-to-understand adjectives: “smooth, persistent, bold” describe a Petit Verdot. In full transparency, every tag clearly states the price. Edo and Vary are on hand to advise, while customers can help themselves to a taste of the wine thanks to the self-service distributor often seen in enoteche and high-end restaurants. In this laidback setting, an extension of Vary and Edo’s homely style, there’s also the option to savour a 40-minute tasting or a five-glass degustazione guided by a wine expert.
“Our customers are often divided into two categories: international travellers who want to try Tuscan wine or Italians who crave something different. We aim to make everyone feel at home and happy.”
In addition to cooking classes, Tuscan Taste is also available for food- and wine-centric events.
Tuscan Taste
Via Romana 41R
+39 055 225873
