Living with passion – lessons from Tuscany: wine and romance
Tuscan wine, passion, food and romance
I am often asked how wine fits into the Tuscan lifestyle. Wine is intrinsic to life in Tuscany as the ancient Etruscans cultivated wild grapes to make wines in the area that is now Tuscany since before Roman times. The Tuscan way of life is based on passion and wine in Tuscany is no exception.
Wine appreciation in Tuscany goes well beyond wine tasting – it is a total sensual experience! Where else can sip wine and savor food made with the freshest most delectable ingredients resulting from recipes going back hundreds of years? In Tuscany, wine and food are intentionally meant to ‘marry’ well.
If you are looking for a romantic wine getaway, ideal locations in Tuscany include the high peaks of the Apuan Alps, the cypress-outlined, rolling hills of the Chianti area, jagged seaside cliffs, the enchanting Tuscan islands or the beautiful beaches of the Italian Riviera. It does not get much sexier than the self-assured way Tuscans dress or carry themselves. Stay a while and learn to fit in with the locals.
As for specific wines, Chianti is one of Italy’s robust reds and there are over 10,000 acres of vineyards in the Chianti area. How long will it take you to cruise all that acreage with your rented red Ferrari?
If great restaurant explorations are your cup of tea, you have but to choose from a list of world-class offerings around the Tuscany region. Or, you can go exploring country roads and discover your own favorite romantic hideaway with “Mamma” cooking in the kitchen and the rest of the family making you feel welcome.
Did you know that Tuscany’s wines go way beyond Chianti? The world-renowned Brunello di Montalcino area is ideal for having an exquisite meal with your lover in a beautiful castle among the vineyards and olive groves while enjoying pasta, cured meats, crostini, bruschette and an array of world-class cheeses – all this and one of the world’s great wines.
You can be tantalized by the blending of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon used to make the full-bodied Super Tuscan Wines. Or, if you find decadent desserts more alluring, try pairing one with Vin Santo (a Tuscan dessert wine). A stand-alone sweet wine for staying “in the moment” is a sweet Vino di Meditation or wine to meditate on.
The ultimate experience may be to visit Tuscany in the autumn harvest season to get your arms around the grape gathering and crushing then taste the wonderful result of your labors. Some winemakers in Tuscany still stomp grapes with their feet and welcome visitors to get in on the action. Squishing grapes with your toes in the middle of a picturesque landscape and involving all your senses is quite sexy indeed.
serenella@toscanamia.biz
http://www.tuscany.org/Food-and-Wine/Tuscan-Wines/
http://www.intoscana.it/intoscana/home.jsp?language=en
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