Tuscany Wine Experience

#Tuscany_Wine_Experience

Winemaking in Tuscany dates back to the Etruscan era (550BC) with the Romans later adopting the regions name and played a significant role improving the technologies plus infrastructure ( roads / aqueducts) also by expanding upon the practices of the Etruscans

 With its Mediterranean climate (warm, dry summers and mild winters) the area is ideal for grape growing which all adds up to a world renowned region for its iconic wine
 (plus stunning landscapes and ancient cities)

As i get to Siena my goal was to have some of its famous Chianti Superiore wine served from a fiasco (squat bottle in a straw basket)
Then of course bought a loaf of crusty bread, olive oil and Pecorino Toscano cheese

La Vita e Bella  
(Life is Indeed Beautiful)

 

Tuscany is made up of ten provinces (Florence, Pisa, Arezzo to name a few) with Siena being where  my travels has taken me 
The city is famous for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval cityscape and of course the wine

Because of the fertile land and Mediterranean climate the fruits here taste amazing.
 Everything from cherries, peaches, figs, grapes (of course) pears, apples, apricots and strawberries

I am no doctor but why is life expectancy in Italy so high (84 years on average)
It must have a lot to do with fresh whole foods, drive less / walk more, spend time connecting with family and friends plus maybe a little wine once a day 

Tuscany is home to the famous Chianti Wine Region ( established in 1716) with eight subzones in the area that each produce its own unique style
One of the most famous is the Black Rooster Seal (Gallo Nero) that is the symbol of the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium established in 1924

There are many wine tours, but these are the ones i would recommend
Etruscan Coast, Via Francigena or Montepulciano

 But for myself i wanted to explore the ancient cellars, learn the wine making traditions plus the skill of pairings; with cheeses, bruschetta and other regional foods

The countryside here has been the site for numerous films; earning it the nickname 
The European answer to Hollywood
Gladiator, The English Patient, Under the Tuscan Sun, A Room with a View

Also the area was the first to pave its streets (which set a trend for other cities)
Plus its known for its marble, which was used in famous artworks like Michelangelo David

Finally its the homeland of Pinocchio; the wooden puppet who wanted to become a real boy

Local History;
During the Renaissance Period; the modern Italian language that is spoken today was based on the Toscano (Tuscan) dialect from this area
In 1497 when Florence and Pisa were at war with each other, the Pisans thought if they blocked the salt shipments that would cause a surrender
 Florentines just adapted and made bread without sodium chloride 

Geography;
Tuscany has 65% hills plus another 25% are mountains......so bring good footwear
There are seven islands here (Elba, Giglio, Capraia, Montecristo, Pianosa, Giannutri and Gorgona
and the myth behind the making of the archipelago is that the Goddess Aphrodite lost seven beads from her necklace into the Tyrrhenian Sea
You can snow ski in Tuscany in the areas of Abetone and Monte Amiata (2 hours from the beaches)

Here in my Province of Nova Scotia we have our own Wine Region
Because of our cool climate it contributes to the natural acidity in the grapes but the area is gaining recognition for the crisp, aromatic and refreshing qualities

While its no way near the beginnings like Tuscany, the French Settlers here planted the first vineyards  (1611) in the Bay of Fundy area
The modern development started in the 1980s with Grand Pre Winery and Jost Vineyards, now in the 2000s we have experienced growth to 25 grape and fruit wineries