Le Palaie winery, Peccioli, Tuscany

Le Palaie winery, Peccioli, Tuscany

Posted on by Stefania Tardino

“The Wine is on the table” , my second wine tasting at “Le Palaie Winery”, Peccioli 

The “Wine is on the Table”  is the name of  my second wine tasting event at “Le Palaie Winery ”  Peccioli. It was a big  success, which was held on the 10th March 2018 . As always,  all started with a few phone calls and emails with the great stuff of the winery to discuss which wines and the types of food to serve ,  and to double-check my  guest list.

Visiting “Le Palaie Winery ”  Peccioli  is  your way to discover the colours and flavours of Tuscany ,  exploring its stunning  vineyards and rolling hills.

“Le Palaie Winery”, the beauty of Tuscany in a glass

Visiting “Le Palaie Winery ”  is  your way to discover the colours and flavours of Tuscany ,  exploring its stunning  vineyards and rolling hills. It’s also the ideal starting point to enjoy famous and important medieval cities of Tuscany such as:

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The history of the “Le Palaie Winery”

In 1996 Nino Capon   founded    “Le Palaie Winery ”   in Peccioli  . This great entrepreneur loved  the the Valdera area , becasue is considered an emerging wine region in the Tuscan province of Pisa. So he decided to open the farm and then to plant the vines in an area strongly devoted to wine production.

A winery and a farm house among the Tuscan hills

In the first floor “Le Palaie Winery ”    is provided with a modern vat cellar and an underground barrique cellar for the aging of wines where. Here stunning sculptures transform the room in a real art gallery.

In the second floor there is a  big and terrific terrace with a magic view to the Tuscan landscape. It’s also a farm house with 7 apartments and 3 independent houses of various sizes. All of them are modern and equipped with  all facilities and a swimming pool too.

le-palaie-winery-peccioli-tuscany-travel-wine-blog-weloveitalyeu

5 Top wines

There were many people who came to enjoy the top 5 wines of the  “Le Palaie Winery” , which were paired with local products: cheeses (one mild, one medium, one strong), fruits, nuts, crackers and chocolates.

Moreover, guests had fun with a wine quiz to determine their  wine knowledge.  Then a very rare thing happened to me. Just before introducing myself to the guests, I started to get nervous! My normal, confident self decided to go on break just when I needed !

Adrian Setright and Stefano Matteucci starring!

Then I  I took a deep breath and  I found my voice and began the wine tasting. Developing my own rhythm, all of my nerves quickly melted away! Of course, we laughed a lot, learned a lot about wine. We all had fun thanks to two artists , who helped me with all the wine event: 

5 Top labels

Here the best 5 labels of “Le Palaie Winery“: 

1.“Rosato”: It’s a rosé made from Merlot and Sangiovese grapes , which grow on hills in loose to medium terroir that leads to sandy soil. A hint of copper to the eye, fruity florals to the nose plus high acidity leads to intense flavours;

2.“Viognier”: It’s a white wine , which is made from Viognier (100%) . This grape originally comes  from the Rhone Valley, France. It’s characterized by floral notes to the nose ( honeysuckle and lavender) along with peaches and suggestions of smoke. Detect hints of white peaches, citrus and dried apricots with a finish of butterscotch and oak;

3. “Gatta Ci Cova”: It’s a red wine made from  Sangiovese (50%), and Merlot (50 %) . This wine has  an intense ruby colour and a typical fruity perfume of a fresh young wine with yummy hints of wild berries;

4. “Sagrestano”: It’s a red wine made from Sangiovese (50%) and  Alicante (50%). Its  scent is  of spices, black pepper , which are mainly present also on the palate;

5. “Bulizio”: It’s a red wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon ( 40 %) , Merlot (40%),  Petit Verdot (20 %) . Its colour is deep ruby, and  the nose detects ripe fruit that leads to spicy notes. Its tannins are strong;

“Le Palaie Winery”, amazing wine tasting in Peccioli, Tuscany

Without any doubt, “Wine is on the table”  was my second best wine tasting experience at the “Le Palaie winery ”   .  Hosting a wine tasting event was a great way to do something fun, classy, and different with my  friends and other guests .

Special thanks! 

As a Sommelier  I never stop learning, growing and building up my experience that goes on with the “AIS of Lucca” ( “Italian Sommelier Association”) .

Special thanks to:

All in all, my second wine  tasting was everything I could have hoped for, with such a wonderful host and crowd, it  reconfirmed my decision to be an independent wine consultant!

 

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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!

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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:
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  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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