Florent in Tuscany

A journey through Tuscany

I had the opportunity to share this experience with my two best friends, Nick and Joy from OAK restaurant. Two culinary connoisseurs with a passion for fine dining and making unforgettable trips.

Italy has a rich history, we all know that, but what makes this country so special is how visible that history still is. Think of villages built high on mountaintops, so enemies could be spotted from afar, and the countless monumental buildings you encounter everywhere. Everything is framed by characteristic cypress trees, just like you see them in the iconic scenes from Gladiator.

In Tuscany, only 8% of the area is flat countryside; the rest consists of rolling hills and mountainous landscapes. This not only highlights the region's diversity but also offers unique opportunities for viticulture thanks to varying altitudes and soil compositions.

Our journey began in Pisa, from where we headed to the southern part of Tuscany: the world-famous Montalcino wine region. Soon you notice how the roads wind steeply upwards towards our first destination, San Polino. This estate had long been on my list, as a Rosso and Brunello di Montalcino of this caliber don't just happen.

San Polino

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by Daniel, who immediately took us to the vineyards. He showed us the unique mosaic of soil compositions, located at the foot of Monte Amiata. This mountain provides the Sangiovese vines with cooling shade during the warm, dry summer months, contributing to the complexity and freshness of the wines.

The wines here are carefully aged in large Slavonian oak barrels, resulting in a perfect balance and refined elegance.

San Polino is dedicated to creating wines that are both delicate and complex. They shine at a young age, yet possess impressive aging potential. A masterpiece that immediately captivated us.

Chianti Classico

After an impressive day in Montalcino, we continued our journey to the heart of Tuscany: Chianti Classico, just a two-hour drive away. Although the drive was quite short, we would have loved to soak in the landscape for even longer. Among the rolling hills and historic country houses, you recognize Chianti Classico by the Gallo Nero, the iconic black rooster that symbolizes the region.

The Chianti region, nestled between Florence and Siena, carries a rich history of rivalry and cunning. In the Middle Ages, these two cities were constantly engaged in a struggle for power over the intervening towns, villages, and strategically located hilltops. This struggle was so fierce and persistent that the villages in this area changed rulers more often than seasons.

To put an end to these seemingly endless conflicts, a creative plan was devised. At the first crow of the rooster, riders would depart from both Florence and Siena. The point where the two met would henceforth determine the border.

But the clever Florentines did not simply entrust their fate to chance. Instead of relying on a fast rider or a strong horse, they put everything into the black rooster that was to give the signal. This poor animal was kept in a dark stable for days, barely fed and left full of tension. When the day of border demarcation arrived, the exhausted rooster crowed long before sunrise, giving the Florentine rider a huge head start. His Sienese opponent patiently waited for the first daylight, when his white rooster finally made its voice heard. Only twelve kilometers outside Siena, at Fonterutoli, the encounter was already decided.

The Florentine rider, with his clever head start, claimed almost all of Chianti for Florence. Since then, the black rooster has been not only the symbol of this region but also of the ingenuity and tenacity of its inhabitants.

Tenuta Casenuove & Fattoria di Petreto

Our destination, Tenuta Casenuove, is situated on a hill with a breathtaking panoramic view. The country house exudes refinement, perfected to the last detail, with a state-of-the-art wine cellar that attests to their dedication to quality. The passionate winemaker Alessandro gave us a tour of the estate, after which we enjoyed his refined wines. Each glass reflected a masterful balance of craftsmanship and finesse.

For twenty years, Alessandro has been a familiar face at Casenuove, where he passionately and expertly contributes to the production of excellent wines. We recently also included his own estate, Fattoria di Petreto, in our range. This estate proves that Tuscany, despite its warm climate, can produce beautiful white wines.

The strength of Fattoria di Petreto lies in its unique microclimate. The proximity of the Arno River provides cooling influences, while the north-easterly vineyards offer ideal exposure for white grapes. Alessandro opts for well-known French varieties such as Chenin Blanc, Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sauvignon Gris. The result? Wines that combine freshness with a rich texture and exceptional aging potential.

Fattoria di Petreto is living proof of Tuscany's versatility as a wine region. Here, tradition and innovation meet, with Alessandro's drive as the connecting link.

A Tuscan farewell

We concluded our Tuscan story in traditional fashion, with a meal prepared by a nonna, who served us classic Tuscan dishes. Anyone who thinks Tuscan cuisine is solely about pasta is mistaken.

A good glass of wine completed the picture, and we left Tuscany with unforgettable memories.