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TUSCANY
Tuscany is the most popular of all the 20 Italian regions. This region is located in the northern part of central Italy. Florence, capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. According to UNESCO, almost a third of the world’s art treasures reside in Florence. It is the Birthplace of Leonardo Da Vinci and the Piano.
To the west you will find Pisa, with its famous leaning tower. Pisa is the birthplace of Galileo Galilei, an Italian astronomer, mathematician, physicist, philosopher and professor. Due to it's proximity to the coast, cuisine in Pisa has a combination of land and sea recipes.
South of Florence life slows down a bit, but it does not lack in history, art, and architecture. There is nothing better than a road trip through the Tuscan countryside. No matter the time of year, the rolling hills are mesmerizing. The Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO world heritage site, is an authentic treasure chest of nature and medieval towns, such as Pienza and Montalcino.
Nearby you will find Monticchiello, a small, historical village atop a hill surrounded by a towered wall, and it is one of my favorite little places in Tuscany. I have had the pleasure of staying in the Tower of Carlo, one of the lookout towers on the wall, and it was an unforgettable experience. Monticchiello is a must stop for lunch when in the area.
Montepulciano, a personal favorite, is stunningly perched high atop of a hill between Val d'Orcia and Val di Chiana. It is a medieval and Renaissance town in the Italian province of Siena in southern Tuscany. I have met some amazing people in Montepulciano, many who have become cherished friends. If it's a cooking class you want or a truffle hunting adventure, I've got you covered.
Siena, in central Tuscany, is an eminent medieval city with a UNESCO-listed historic center, Piazza del Campo. Surrounded by a well-preserved 1,000-year-old wall, Siena is best known for it's medieval brick buildings, hosting the Palio horserace twice a year, as well as plenty of medieval masterpieces.
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FOOD & WINE
The cuisine of Tuscany is all about simplicity. Incorporating seasonal produce, legumes, meat, pasta and cheese with traditional local flavors authentic to the land. Food in Tuscany is always fresh. Some of my favorites include:
Pici is thick, hand-rolled pasta, like fat spaghetti. It originates in the province of Siena, in the Montalcino area.
The Florentine steak is definitely one of the most famous of Tuscany's typical dishes. Traditionally, the meat for Bistecca alla Fiorentina comes from an ancient breed of Tuscan cattle, called the Chianina. This breed of cattle is known for their incredibly flavorful meat. Be aware, you will get this steak rare if not specified.
Tuscan crostini neri, literally black crostini, is the most classic appetizer and one that you will always find on the menu of a local trattoria. It's name comes from its brownish color, given that the main ingredient in crostini neri is chicken liver.
Ribollita has seen preparations since the Middle Ages. It is a traditional centuries-old Tuscan soup that is made with vegetables and beans and thickened with stale bread.
Ragu al Cinghiale is a meat sauce of wild boar, served over al dente Pappardelle or Pici. Delizioso!
The region of Tuscany is legendary for its high quality of meat from local producers. When in Tuscany, enjoy salty prosciutto, creamy Lardo, and meaty wild boar varieties, just to name a few.
Pecorino di Pienza is a sheep cheese that has historic origins, just like many of Tuscany's wines. Allegedly, it's one of the oldest types of cheese in the world.
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Tuscany is one of the most famous wine regions in Europe. It is best known for it's Sangiovese-based dry red wines.
Chianti has been referred to as being one of the most complex red wines in all of Italy, but that wasn't always the case. Early records seem to indicate that Chianti was a white wine as late as 1398. By the end of the 18th century, Chianti was definitively a red wine and Chianti Classico came into being.
Brunello di Montalcino is a red DOCG Italian wine produced in the vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino, in the province of Siena. It is made with 100% Sangiovese and is said to be the one of the best wines from Italy. With a minimum age requirement of 5 years before release, a Brunello tasting is a must when in Tuscany.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is an elegant red wine that has a minimum aging period of 2 years, and at least one year in oak barrels. It must be at least 70% Sangiovese. Thanks to its superb vineyards, the Montepulciano area is considered one of the finest winemaking regions in the world.
Vin Santo is a viscous, typically sweet dessert wine made predominantly in Tuscany. The wine is loved for its intense flavors of hazelnut and caramel. When paired with biscotti, Vin Santo becomes “Cantucci e Vin Santo” which is inarguably Italy's most famous welcoming tradition.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano stands out among the top wines of Tuscany, being the region's only white wine to have reached the lofty heights of DOCG status. It has been considered one of Italy’s oldest and most noble wines. Its fame has no doubt been strongly connected to its region of origin: San Gimignano – an ancient Tuscan town famed for its medieval towers.
Vermentino and Pecorino are a few of the common white varietals that are crisp and delicious.
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CONTACT
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