Wine Club Trip: Travel Journal - July 30, 2008

Italy Trip - Day 4: The Beauty of Chianti

We go today throughout the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany. This is the heart of Tuscany and the home of many impressive ancient Castello, Sangiovese grapes, Vin Santo and wonderful food!

We board our air conditioned motorcoach and drive through the sun-filled olive orchards and vineyards of mid-Tuscany. I am glad we are not driving in a land where the median line and stop signs are merely suggestions. We have ample time to take pictures of the landscape, admire many castles and farm houses, and drive through quaint towns before we arrive at the key Chianti town of Radda. Here we stop for a brief time to walk the narrow cobblestone streets, look at some local linens, wines, olive oils and leather shops, and, of course, take more pictures!

Then we are off to Castello di Meleto. The Castello is restored back to Baroque times with painted frescos, faux marble, stenciled ceilings and period furniture. The real treat was an original family play-house, complete with stage, balcony and five background scenes, all original, for the family to put on plays and perform music (back before television) Of course we were treated to the Castello wines and a bit of shopping in the abundant gift store before leaving.

Onto Ristorante Castello di San Donato, located in the town of Perano. This high hill-top town offered splendid views of the surrounding country-side, and we enjoyed a leisurely lunch of local cured meats, cheese, grilled vegetables and almond and chocolate with Rosato and Chianti from the Classico region. We enjoyed this in a terrace room with huge casement windows that opened up to the view in 360 degrees. It was a delightfully long and luxurious lunch!

Then we were off to Castello di Verrazzano, named for the adventurer (who is also the name-sake of the bridge in New York) His descendants still own the 7th century castle today, and greeted us with our tour-guide. We walked through the many-leveled cellar, learned more about making Chianti, and ended with a guided tasting all their wines with olive oil made on the property.

Our quick trip back to Gabbiano is quickly finished with a dip in the pool before dinner to freshen up.

Dinner is later this evening while the sun sets on the terrace, and again, filled with good wines, good food and good company.

I can see why people fall in love with Tuscany!

Ciao!