‘Vinoè 2018’ , Florence

‘Vinoè 2018’ , Florence

Posted on by Stefania Tardino

“One should always be drunk. That’s all that matters…But with what? With wine, with poetry, or with virtue, as you chose. But get drunk.”
Charles Baudelaire

“Vinoè 2018” , a stunning wine exihibition in Florence

“Vinoè 2018” is an event in Florence, which is  dedicated to Italian and international wine wxcellence . Now it is in its third edition and is  organized by ‘FISAR’ (‘Italian Federation of Hotel and Catering Sommeliers’). There are not only exihibitors with their best bottles of white, sparkling, rosé and red wines, but also cooking shows .

15 reasons to go to “Vinoè 2018”,  in Florence

“Vinoè 2018” is a meeting point for wine lovers and expetrs.  It is possible in 3 days  to discover:

  1. 800 wine labels, among the famous and less famous wineries;
  2. 140 tasting counters, chaired by winemakers, providing a special glimpse of  national  and international  wine making tradition;
  3. Wine roducers from all over Italy, from the North to the South; in particular there will be a wide representation of Tuscany with its Brunello di Montalcino. This is a red DOCG Italian wine produced in the vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino , which is located about 80 km South of Florence in the Tuscany Wine region;
  4. The great  ine excellence from beyond the Alps;
  5. An interesting debate about reduction and replacement of sulphites in wine launched by  Carlos Veloso dos Santos , CEO of “Amorim”; 
  6. The art of asting chocolate, grapes & distillates with a special workshop presented by Paolo Bini, whois a distillate expert;
  7. The secrets of winemaking in anfora from ancient to modern time with a seminar dedicated on this issue , a meeting whose speaker is the oenologist Francesco Bartoletti;
  8.  The terroir of Burgundy with the vertical tasting of “Vosne Romanée Clos des Réas 1er Cru” (Pinot Noir in purity produced between 2011 and 2015);
  9. A masterclass dedicated to champagne vintages led by Cristina Willemsen of  “Fier Ce Fit”;
  10. A vertical tasting of “Lauro Costa Toscana IGT Podere la Regola”,  and of “Brunello Montalcino Castello Banfi” ;
  11. Food and wine culture of eastern countries, the origins and rituals of  Sakè (a Japanese drink that is made by fermenting rice) told by Giovanni Baldini of “Firenze Sakè” and by “Arimitsu Sake Brewery” ;
  12. A professional talk about the physico-chemical composition or the organoleptic  characteristics of the wine by Monica Picchi, teacher at “Agrarian Faculty of the University of Florence”; 
  13. A journey around the world of the women entrepreneurs in the field of wine making moderated by the sommelier  Genni Setteducati;
  14. Emanuele Costantini, the best “FISAR” , who earned a nomination for best sommelier  2018;
  15. Cooking classes with a pool of experts: Michelangelo Masoni, who is  a famous butcher of Viareggio;  Simone Alessio Sparacino, who is the chef at the starred  “CumQuibus” of San Gimignano; Francesco Secci, who is a member of the “Prato Deak Team”; the partners of ” Consorzio di Tutela del Vitellone Bianco dell’Appennino Centrale”, which is an Italian consortium for the protecion of native breeds, such as the Chianina  and the white veal from thecentral Apennines.

8 great Italian vines at “Vinoè 2018” 

“Vinoè 2018” is a really beautiful and inspiring experience. There are lots of visitors and I have the fantastic opportunity to taste high quality wine such as:
  1. “Tintilia (66)”, Claudio Cipressi, Molise;
  2. “Bianco di Mariagrazia”,Tenuta Benedetta Etna Bianco,  Sicily;
  3. “Tommaso Stellino”, Sicily;
  4. “Scalunera Etna Bianco”, Torre Mora/Piccini, Sicily/Tuscany;
  5. “Eleuteria”, Nerello Mascalese, Tenuta del Travale, Calabria;
  6. “Barolo”, Bruna Grimaldi, Piedmont;
  7. “Erbaluce”, Cieck, Piedmont;
  8. “Alta Langa”, Borgo Moncalvo, Piedmont.

3 great Italian wineries at “Vinoè 2018” 

Of course there are lot of wineries which deserve lot of attention, but I have selected three of them . They are located in the South of Italy .  The wines ofItaly’s southern wine districts are bold, full-bodied, and satisfying.

Southern Italy has been producing wine for over 4000 years. The wine business here was already booming in 2000 B.C. when the Phoenicians arrived. The Greeks dubbed southern Italy “The Land of Wine” and the Romans delighted in the wines of the Campania region.

In modern times, however, wine production in southern Italy has languished, and a large portion of wine produced there was sold to France and Germany as a blending wine. All that is changing!

Give a lokk to the rich and fine wine production of these wineries here above which are situated in Molise, Sicily, and Calabria. Have fun!

1. “Claudio Cipressi Winery”, Molise

“Claudio Cipressi Winery”, is located in San Felice del Molise, Campobasso. Since 2014 it has become officially certified as organic .  Moliseis a beautiful region with a unique landscape. It is largely uncontaminated and the vineyards have great potential, which is why Claudio Cipressi cultivates 16 hectares with enthusiasm. Claudio Cipressi has reintroduced the Tintilia,  a native white grape variety.

2. “Tenuta Mora Winery”, Sicily

“Tenuta Mora Winery“ is owned by the historic Tuscan producer “Tenute Piccini”, one of the most popular brand of Chianti, Chianti Classico, and Brunello Wines in Italy and the world. “Tenuta Mora Winery “ is a boutique winery located on the Etna volcano, a black mountain looking at a blue shining sea, a unique place able to craft hidden wine gems.

The two vineyards of “Tenuta Mora “ are located at about 650-700m in Contrada Rovittello, in the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia and Contrada Torre, in the municipality of Linguaglossa. The philosophy of “Tenuta Mora Winery“ is one grape, one territory. Their main grapes are Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio. The average age of vines sits at around 15 years old .

Vineyards on the Etna feature extremely fertile volcanic soils at an altitude of 650-700 meters above sea level (2100-2300 ft), with important temperature variations between day and night considerably influencing the quality of the grapes. Other properties under the Piccini umbrella are Valiano in Chianti Classico, Villa al Cortille in Montalcino, Tenuta Moraia in the Maremma Toscana, and Regio Cantinain the Aglianico del Vulture DOC zone of Basilicata.  They are passionate about Winemaking!

3. “Tenuta del Travale”, Cosenza

“Tenuta del Travale”  is located in Rovito, Cosenza, a thirty minute drive from the spectacular blue sea of the Tyrrhenian coast in Calabria. Calabria is a wine region waiting to be discovered. Calabrian Wine has not received the recognition it deserves, even though the region of Calabria has a very long history of vine cultivation. The territory is gorgeous, but the economic problems of the region have prevented it from achieving its full potential.

A goal that was pursued with determination by the owners of “Tenuta del Travale” , Raffaella Ciardullo and his husband Nicola Piluso. Today they run this stunning  estate revitalising the old territory.  They carry on the intent of defending the ancient Calabrian origin of Nerello Mascalese with one single label “Eleuteria” (there is  some evidence that Nerello Mascalese may be related to Mantonico Bianco, an ancientCalabrian grape). “Tenuta del Travale” covers two hectares of hilly terrain. Founded in 1993, the estate cultivates today only 2 varieties of vines, Nerello Mescalese and Nerello Cappuccio, from which are produced Red Wines with the IGP recognition.

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What is “Vinoè 2018” ? 

“Vinoè 2018”  is not only a sensorial experience. It’s the perfect place where you can understand why the story behind each wine in your glass matters. There’s the value of work according to human passion and effort. An example of authentic life to follow in the caos of these times!

“Vinoè 2018”   is a way to travel in the world of wine, which is one of the best attractive in Florence. The capital of Tuscany  has remarkable wines, most notably the deep red wine Chianti Classico,  which is made with perfect purple Sangiovese grapes grown in the golden sunlight of the Tuscan hills. You’ll also find fine wines like the Brunello di Montalcino, Pomino Vin Santo and other Trebiano white wines, and Moscadello varieties for sweet wines! It takes a long time to speak about wine in Tuscany, so it’s better for you to come and taste them! Have a nice trip!

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Stefania

 

Florence Wine Event 2017

Florence Wine Event 2017

Posted on by Stefania Tardino

florence-wine-event-2017-travel-blog-weloveitalyeu

“Florence Wine Event 2017”, Italy in a glass!

“Florence Wine Event 2017” is an annual celebration of wine & food around Italy and not only ! For two days-18th and 19th November  lots of artisan and winemakers from different part of Italy gathered to pour over organic, biodynamic and natural wines to consumers.

It was held  with success at “Artex” , which is the “Centre for Artistic and Traditional Craftsmanship of Florence”, in via Giano della Bella 20. Here is the heart of  “San Frediano” , one of Florence’s most characteristic neighbourhoods .

“Florence Wine Event 2017” makes it possible for wine producers to meet each other and share their work, concerns and innovations with their peers. It’s not just for wine producers and wineries, it is also open to wine enthusiasts and other people who work in the wine industry. Let’s go to visit great Italian wineries!

The Wine in Tuscany

Winemaking is embedded in Italian culture and is considered a valuable part of the nation’s history. Italians are as passionate about wines as they are about family, tradition and fine cuisine.

Tuscan wines’ garnet-red colour, medium body and unique aromas all result from the high tannin and acidity in a Sangiovese grape. This is the secret to Tuscany’s unrivaled viticulture and wine-making heritage. “Florence Wine Event 2017” is the right place where to experience all this!

At “Florence Wine Event 2017” the several participating companies were selected in order to give them the opportunity to make known their top products.

The droves of hungry visitors were fed by a dozen street food stalls manned by some of Florence’s top restaurants and suppliers , whilst those thirsty for knowledge were helped with the kind  explanations of the exhibitors.

8 Top restaurants in Italy at “Florence Wine Event 2017”

Rappresentative wine companies from Tuscany, Sicily, Campania  and Puglia  attended the “Florence Wine Event 2017”  together with important professionals of the catering sector in Florence for lovers of local and even of  Japanese food.

Just to remind some of the them:

  1. “Due Mari di Vino“ (Puglia);
  2. “Donne del Vino“ (Tuscany);
  3. “Adelina Molettieri” (Irpinia, Campania);
  4. “Firenze Sakè”;
  5. “Giapponese Cuore“ (Florence);
  6. “Enoteca Alessi” (Florence);
  7. “Osteria Tripperia il Maggazino” (San Frediano, Florence);
  8. “Prinz Beverage & Food“(Florence).

Special guest, the “lampredotto”!

I began the tasting session trying the Tuscan street food that is called “lampredotto” . It’s  a specific type of tripe and stomach served with a slice of bread and filled with a  spicy green sauce made with olive oil and basil.

Italian food is famous worldwide, but what most people don’t know is that each region has its own speciality, such as Tuscany.

Before you can understand the food, you first need to understand the history and geography of Italy. Florence has a medieval history that influences the traditional staples of Florentine and Tuscan cuisine.

Another factor that affects the Tuscan  Cuisine are the local ingredients like tomatoes, rosemary, porcini mushrooms, truffle mushrooms, olives,  and a few varieties of meat, cheese, and bread. Here is a list of the top 10 food you must eat in Florence!

florence-wine-event-2017-travel-blog-weloveitaly-eu

The Japanese food in Florence

I needed to eat more than usual to absorb all that divine alcohol! To my amazement there were two kind Japanese girls who held my hand to taste their delicatessen served at “Il Cuore” , their restaurant in Florence.

It was about  an appetiser of different fresh raw fish paired with the Sake distributed by “Firenze Sake“ . The choice was vast and sushi was delicious -it was served warm.

If you are always in the lookout for a new awesome restaurant in Florence, try this one!  Florentines (and Italians) are crazy about Japan .

My favourite wines at “Florence wine event 2017”

My iniital round went on at the first floor tasting “Carmina Arvalia” , which is an elegant Bordeaux Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon ,  and Sangiovese produced in Bolgheri. 

Bolgheri is located between the coastal cities of Cecina and San Vincenzo, less than 10 km from the seaside.

I definitely suggest a drive along the famous “Viale dei Cipressi” (“Cypress Avenue”) that leads to Bolgheri. This is a scenic, straight avenue, about 5 km long, bordered by majestic and ancient cypresses which end in front of the “Castle of Bolgheri”. It connects the old Via Aurelia to the village.

This very impressive path is celebrated by one of the major Italian poets of the nineteenth century, Giosuè Carducci, in his famous poetry “Davanti San Guido” (“In front of San Guido”). The poet was very devoted to Bolgheri and its surrounding as he spent part of his youth here.

The grapes of Pantelleria

As I was thinking of those places that caresses soul such as Bolgheri a portrait of Pantelleria, a little island in Sicily, left me breathless with my gaze fixed upon it: being on holiday  there, as I did years ago,  makes you desire  to live in peace and in harmony with all the living beings.

Pantelleria is a volcanic island. This black pearl of the Mediterranean is located between Sicily and Africa. Pantelleria is one of Sicily’s most characteristic minor islands ; its rocky coastline, sometimes dramatic, sometimes gentle, extends for just over 31 miles.

Historically speaking dominating civilisations (including the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Arabs and the Spanish) have come and gone, all leaving their mark in a mesh of interwoven cultures.

Arabic influences are most evident :  the traditional houses, “Dammusi” and the two most famous local wines, Moscato and Passito  made from Zibibbo grapes.  

“Argenziano winery”, from Sicily to Avellino

After a while  a gentle man with his staff offered me their special products:  dried Zibibbo  racines . They were paired with two excellent wines of the “Argenziano Winery”:

  • “Amuma “ : It’s an incredible passito;
  • “Sharab“: It’s a zibibbo dry wine  .

I met Stefano Argenziano,  the owner of  “Argenziano Winery”, Avellino, Campania. His family established its business at the end of 1930s , then he moved  to Pantelleria to produce territorial excellences since 1952.

10 unforgettable wineries at “Florence wine event 2017”

After my unforgettable Sicilian break I climbed the stairs that lead to the room where there big wine tasting tour still was going on : great wineries all around Italy. All the operators were very nice and helpful . I came into contact with with their history and hard  work which over the time has created big products all around Italy .

I couldn’t taste all the top Italian wines. It was a little hard for my stomach and more over I had to get home and to be aware to find the right way ! My stomach was strong enough to go on with the last tastings I could afford.
Other bottles were opened up of special wine unbeknownst to the guests. They were all amazing.  Here below my special wine list:
"Voltumna Pinot Nero-Tuscany-wine-blog-weloveitalyeu
  1. “Voltumna Pinot Nero”, Tuscany

"Gratena Nero- Tuscany-wine-blog-weloveitalyeu

 2. “Gratena Nero”, Tuscany

"Vignano Wine"-Tuscany-wineblog-weloveitalyeu

4. “Vignano Wine”, Tuscany

"I Pilastri  Vermentino DOC "-Lunigiana-wine-blog-weloveitalyeu

 "Talò Verdeca"-Puglia-wine-blog-weloveitalyeu

6. “Talò Verdeca”, Puglia

"Catarratto Chardonnay Principi di Corleone"- Sicily-wine-blog-weloveitalyeu

7. “Catarratto Chardonnay Principi di Corleone”, Sicily

 

Italy and wine, a perfect marriage!

Italy is home of a huge array of wines, regions, grape varieties and wine styles. From the misty, lush rolling hills of the north to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany, Umbria, the Marche and Abruzzo, to the southern lands of Puglia, Calabria and Basilicata, while not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.

Italy – the home of Chianti, Barolo, Prosecco, Valpolicella, Soave, Orvieto, Etna – has a rich and diverse wine heritage dating back more than four thousand years. Famous for its bewildering diversity of both grape varieties and wine styles, Italy is also significant for the sheer volume of wine it produces: just over 5.6 billion liters (around 1.5 billion US gallons) in 2018, from 695,000 hectares (1.7 million acres) of vineyards.

Why don’t you come here for your next upcoming holiday? There’s lot of things to do, to see . We’re waiting for you!

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Florence, ‘Dimora degli Angeli’ , a luxury b&b in the heart of the city

Florence, ‘Dimora degli Angeli’ , a luxury b&b in the heart of the city

Posted on by Stefania Tardino

‘Dimora degli Angeli’, a luxury b&b in the magic Florence

The ‘Dimora degli Angeli’ is a luxury b&b , which is located in Via dei Brunelleschi, 4, Florence. It’s a fine and comfortable accommodation in the historic center of  Florence . It offers an evocative solution for an unforgettable stay experience, surrounded by the beauty of Florence, which is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

A weekend in November from the ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  I  had the possibility to admire the charme of  Florence thanks to its central position. Florence is a unique open-air museum.  But beyond producing some of the most beautiful art and landscapes ever seen, Florence remains a distinctly traditional city  with strong family values and much to surprise the traveller. Follow me for reading some useful tips to visit Florence!

‘Dimora degli Angeli’, a luxury b&b for exploring Florence

 Florence is full of beautiful b&b, so it was very difficult to find the right one for me!  Main reasons why I wanted to choose a b&b over a hotel was to feel like a guest in someone’s home while having a holiday in. After a few searches on the internet, my choice fell immediately on the  ‘Dimora degli Angeli’ .

‘Dimora degli Angeli’ , a balcony in ‘Piazza della Repubblica’

The ‘Dimora degli Angeli’ is close to ‘Piazza della Repubblica’, which is the heart of the ancient and renewed city centre of Florence. It sits in a prestigious building dating back to 1890, which was also once the seat of the main local newspapers which is ‘La Nazione‘.

Moreover, in the same palace the Italian writer Eugenio Montale used to write his poems, sitting at a table of the famous cafè  called ‘the Giubbe Rosse’ . 

What to see in Florence near ‘Dimora degli Angeli’ 

With its windows looking on a breath taking city landscape, ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  offers a spectacular sight over :

It is also near  the most important squares and monuments of the ancient city centre, such as:

Where to go shopping in Florence near ‘Dimora degli Angeli’

Only to list the more stunning ones. ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  is a short walk from the most elegant fashion shopping streets too:

Claudio Cherubini, the owner of  ‘Dimora degli Angeli’ in Florence

I loved ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  not only for its strategic area , which is really just a few steps from ‘piazza del Duomo’, but even for the comfort and the elegance of  its rooms . And above all, I started from ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  because  of my  curiosity to learn more about Claudio Cherubini, who is the owner.

In fact, I read the blog of  Claudio   in the web site of the ‘Dimora degli Angeli’ , where he talked about his amazing life story  and Florence. And I thought it was absolutely what I was looking for in Florence.

A lovely welcome to Florence! 

Claudio Cherubini and his wife welcomed me into their ‘Dimora degli Angeli’ . It was more than just a bed, it was the warm welcome you feel from coming into close touch with locals.

As I entered ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  , I liked the modern internal design. Each room has its own style, with unique wallpaper, furnishings and decor. Here everything comes together to create a place for the experienced world traveller.

In  the warm and welcoming environment of ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  , I relaxed and enjoyed the wonderful  Florence while experiencing a vacation with the comforts of a home.

Claudio Cherubini and his ‘Dimora degli Angeli’ 

Staying at ‘Dimora degli Angeli’   in  Florence offered me not only a warm, comfortable place to head to after long days of sightseeing, it was also part of my experience and memories of Florence in an unconventional weekend in November 2017.

I interviewed Claudio Cherubini on Sunday morning . It was like to talk with an old friend. My first question to him  was about the reason why each room bore the name of  a woman!  His answer goes like this: “numbers don’t have a soul!”.

The response was far from that of a  ‘latin lover’ , because from his words I realized the central position of his wife and his mother in building all he achieved in his life.

Claudio Cherubini tried different things in his life until the military service. At the beginning of his career, he worked in a hotel, then in a coffee bar and finally with his father in the textile sector. Being a free spirit , Claudio   decided to start his own business!

Claudio   got his vendor license and began to stock clothing, the enemy of outlets, dealing with high quality women’s ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  .  What brought him to open this fantastic b&b was the desire to face the world! He loved Florence, and hosting thousands of visitors was his new job!

My itinerary in Florence!

At ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  , I had the chance to speak with  Claudio Cherubini and his wife learning about what I should not miss in Florence.

claudio-cherubini-dimora-dei-cherubini-firenze

Bye Bye enchanting Florence! 

Claudio Cherubini concluded my precious moments at ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  affirming in my  interview:

“I don’t know if it is always possible, but I am certain that I will always do my best  to make travellers happy in Florence !” .

I think Claudio Cherubini knows how to pumper his clients. And I can say that it is true, because I experienced his professionality and his passion for ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  and Florence. What are you waiting for coming here for your upcoming holidays?

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