Wandering through the Tuscan countryside - something everyone should do at least once in a lifetime! - one stumbles upon hilltop towns that seem frozen in time. Montepulciano is a Medieval jewel, a place where the Medici family of Florence left their mark and who could blame them? Marvelous vistas inspire noble thoughts. Is…
Continue reading ➞ The Noblest of Wines: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
And no, I am not talking Sunday Brunch! The real thing – the flowers – are given to women here in Italy on March 8, International Women’s Day. Oh, that’s not celebrated where you live? Well, it should be! Ever wonder why March is Women’s History Month? Hint: the event took place in New York…
Hit 'em with the one-two... Having tried the Chianti DOCG new releases on Sunday, Monday it was the Gallo Nero's turn. Chianti Classico unveiled its Anteprima vintages at the old train station, now a congress center, Stazione Leopolda in Florence. Not hard to notice the old train station structure, a tad too minimalist for my…
Still reflecting on last weekend's event in Siena. The fun thing about these wine events is that you see old friends and make new ones. I haven't been to a wine event yet where I haven't met someone new or run into someone I wish I spent more time with. For instance, these two movers…
The second grueling day of Wine&Siena found yours truly participating in a tasting - here called Wine Master Classes - of 8 Chianti Classicos, starting bright and early at 11 a.m. in the stunning Palazzo Sansedoni located right on Piazza del Campo. Is every room in Tuscany A Room With a View? (Is it time…
This weekend in Tuscany, the 2nd annual Wine&Siena was held in this charming medieval jewel of a hilltop city that is still contained by its ancient walls. Organized by the same people who put together Merano Wine Festival, it was an opportunity to taste the bounty of the land that is Italy, both wine and…
Something rare and wonderful happened in Siena the other day: the Contrada della Lupa (the neighborhood of the she-wolf) won the Palio. Only, what's better than winning the Palio? Winning the Palio twice in one summer! That is called cappotto, or winter coat. And it is highly unusual. But bring together a fabulous horse called…
Suzanne Branciforte's Italian Grapevine 