Destination Tuscany – My #Chianti Classico experience
Contributed by feature reporter Jens Hoffmann
A trip through Tuscany is all about wine and food. Aromas and colors in the heart of Tuscany, lovely weather, cypress and olive trees, fine food and lovely “Chianti Classico” wines.
Tuscany is not in Italy, Italy is the Tuscany, Johan Wolfgang Goethe wrote this in his famous travelstory “Italienreise”.
The Chianti Classico region is home to the Black Rooster (#Chianti Classico), the epitome of the Italian way of life with beautiful wines, Parma ham, famous cheese and olive oil.
In Siena you will find everything city life and charming Tuscan countryside, with easy access on foot to the town’s shops and restaurants. We especially enjoyed the ham and meat extravaganza.
You must try the Fiorentina steak, the region’s most typical dish: a thick cut of heirloom Chianina beef, cooked on the bone and served with white beans in olive oil and rosemary.
It fits perfect whith a Chianti Classico Riserva. The Riserva are stored for at least three years in oak barrels and, to be suitable by the cooperative to get the “Riserva” label.
The sign of the quality product is the famous black rooster in the golden field, in the midst of a red seal, free after the famous painter Vasari who lived in the 16th century.
You must start with a Chianti Classico, 100 % Sangiovese grapes. Ruby red, fragrant, dry and velvet. A lovely joy.
For centuries, Tuscany has been a magnet. The region fascinates connoisseurs, culture lovers and artists.
It is the simple, rural food pleasure that has always brought me in the region.
Here you can simply enjoy Chianti Classico, have a nice time and spend the days with your family and friends.
The Tuscan lifestyle is unique, delicious wines everywhere and nice food is part of the Tuscan lifestyle.
And so gourmet restaurants as well as small, fine Vino e Cucina restaurants like the Salefino in Siena or La Taverna in Viagli serves dishes like fresh sea bass with lemon, beef or chop, “Gnudi burro e salvia”, a pasta dish with butter. For dessert, “panforte ricciarelli”, a gingerbread with honey. My tongue is happy.
Fine luxury hotels are located behind the walls of historic city palazzos, but you can also check-in at simple city hotels as the „Hotel Italia” in Siena or old wineries that offers Tuscan charm.
Puristic luxury is easy to find everywhere. The entire region is famous for its cultural diversity, the beautiful cities of Pisa, Siena and Firence. The object of our desire was pleasure, wine, ham and cheese. Olive groves, vineyards and serpentines, cypresses and chirping crickets, small villages blend in beautifully with the landscape. The stereotyped postcard image from Tuscany is real live, it starts when you drive from Pisa airport in direction towards Siena.
Whether you are sporty, or rather casual, you have to eat in any case. Here you always have something delicious on the plate and in the glass.
In the restaurants, everything is focused on the satisfaction of the guest.
With a view over the Tuscan countryside, immersed in the red and gold rays of the setting sun a wonderful way.
Bella Tuscany, a perfect stay in the #Chianti Classico region.
The presstrip was supported by “The European Art of Taste” 37124 Verona Italy
http://www.simplyitaliangreatwines.it/a>
Photos: Ralf Kaiser, Nina Soentgerath & Jens Hoffmann
