On the drive south of Florence to the Chianti Classico region (where true Chianti was born) Guido gave a quick history lesson on the traditions from the area and a rundown on the history of wine in Italy. He was so knowledgeable. A trained sommelier as well as a true foodie… a man after both of our hearts!
Our first stop was in the village of Greve, where we visited a butcher/deli shop that specializes in the local delicacy of wild boar. We bought some prosciutto and a loaf of bread and snacked in the van on the way to the first winery.
Our second stop was Villa Cafaggio where we were received in the warmest way. They had the wine shop dining table set for a proper tasting of four wines (2 chianti classico, the San Martino and the Cortaccio, both super Tuscans). We also tasted the olive oil that is made at the winery along with a chianti jelly and an olive oil and chocolate spread. All very tasty! Neither of us new much about chianti other than its reputation for being a very basic table wine. The truth is, when made well and paired well with food, it can be down right delicious. And the super Tuscans can be very unique in characteristic… Shauna can tell you more about it ☺
We bought a bottle to bring home and a bottle to drink later that night, which we did while chatting on skype with our dear friend Maren and puppy Dyamond! Good times!
Guido then dropped us off for lunch at Osteria di Passignano. Not only was the ambiance perfect, but the service was impeccable. And the food….. oh the food!!! We can both easily say it was one of the finest meals either of us had ever had….ever.
In true fine dining fashion, the chef sent out an amuse bouche of broccoli dumplings. Delicious. Followed by our mains. We both ate beef, tenderloin and filet. Both Divine! Then a cheese course. Nine Italian cheeses, a mix of goat, sheep and cow’s milk. Again, we can’t really say enough about it! To top it all off, the bartender came over with complimentary 1995 Vin Santo Capezzana and 1990 Gewurztraminer Spatlese to accompany our cheese course. Nectar of the Gods!!!
We didn’t think there was room for dessert until a basket of sweets showed up with the bill. We almost needed a wheelbarrow to help us out!
The last stop of the day was Fattoria Le Corti. Owned by royalty, this property has been restored in the last 15 years and has begun making some great chianti. Better yet, their olive oil is one of the best in the region!
They had their table set and ready for us when we arrived. A tasting had been arranged for another four wines and two of their olive oils. They kindly offered some local meats and tuscan bread as well. (As if we had room… but we made some of course!)
The olive oil was insane. Like none we have ever tasted. We bought a tin. You may be lucky enough to partake at some point ;-)
Guido drove us back to the hotel. We were sad to say goodbye as we had such an amazing day with him. We promised to return one day and carry on tasting….
We both felt like this was truly one of the best days we have ever had. A definite highlight on this trip, but also a gem we will not soon forget.
Ciao Tuscany! xo
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