Category: Restaurants

Tuscany – Ornellaia winery –

2002 Ornellaia, Bolgheri Superiore DOC, Tenuta dell’Ornellaia

One of the great Super-Tuscan estates, Tenuta dell’Ornellaia was founded in 1981 in what has proved to be one of Italy’s most interesting and expressive wine-making areas, the maritime hills of Bolgheri within the greater wine region of Maremma. Maremma is an extremely interesting sub region of Tuscany for food and wine lovers to visit. Although for centuries it was considered unfit for vineyards, in the past few decades this coastal area has become one of the most ultra exclusive wine producing regions of Italy. Ornellaia’s 97-hectare estate stretches out along the Tyrrhenian Sea, just north of the Maremma between Leghorn and the Island of Elba, and is the birthplace of the now-iconic wines Ornellaia, Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia, Masseto and Le Volte.

Founded in 1981 by Marchese Lodovico Antinori, brother of the powerful and esteemed Piero Antinori, Ornellaia is not one of Tuscany’s most historic wineries, but it has become one of its most respected. Its success is due both to its staunch commitment to the philosophy of “quality without compromise” and to the unique climate and terrain here. While in some ways similar to Bordeaux’s, the estate’s terroir is truly something special; ever-changing and composite, it includes marine, alluvial and volcanic soils, allowing each grape variety to be planted in its ideal type of soil. Ornellaia enjoys some famous neighbors such as Sassicaia, one of the most legendary Tuscan estates. Sassicaia is owned (not coincidentally) by Antinori’s uncle, who made the first Super Tuscan and began the trend that continues today.

The estate’s signature wine, Ornellaia Bolgheri DOC Superiore, a Cabernet-Merlot blend, first stepped onto the scene in 1985. It’s been a collector’s favorite ever since, with all bottles being sold before the wine has even been made. Less expensive and exclusive, although also intriguing and complex, are wines like Le Volte (a Sangiovese-Cabernet-Sauvignon blend).

Tenuta dell’Ornellaia actually occupies two separate estates in Tuscany’s low, hilly coastal region. The original property, which Antinori inherited, is home to a stylish, clean-lined winery and 30 hectares of vineyards. Nearby is the second estate, Bellaria, with 46 hectares. Lodovico Antinori is no longer involved with the winery he founded; in 2002, the Mondavi winery of California acquired full ownership, and in 2005 Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi took over. Today, a young and enthusiastic team manages operations.

If you would like to visit Ornellaia´s winery as part of a luxury wine tour of the Maremma in Tuscany, contact us at info@planningatour.com

Tuscany Restaurants: Gambero Rosso

Gambero Rosso

The recent history of this restaurant is enhanced by the calm presence of the Tyrrhenian sea which guests can see through the bright glass window in the dining room. Yet the exquisite dishes which have earned the restaurant international prestige, also come from inland, and include sophisticated combinations of flavours. Every recipe is a gastronomic experience made with the natural passion for creating good food… but in my opinion too formal for the standard showed in the restaurant.

P.zza della Vittoria, 13
57027 San Vincenzo (Livorno)
Ph. +39 0565 701021

Tuscany Restaurants: Enoteca Pinchiorri

Enoteca Pinchiorri

The Cuisine of the Restaurant Enoteca Pinchiorri is an always-evolving voyage into the memory of taste; it is a simple and careful exercise in style which refers to, at the same time, the application of the French techniques and an interpretation of the Tuscan cuisine tradition, the strict selection of the best quality for the ingredients is a basic requirement and the care for the original tastes which are entirely respected.
An eloquent, tasty, bright and imaginative cuisine. A blissful experience, between seasonal aromas, tastes, scents, refinements and spontaneities.

Standing by Annie Féolde, Italo Bassi and Riccardo Monco, the pillars of the Restaurant Enoteca Pinchiorri, since many years are heading with passion and skill the eighteen people of the kitchen staff, with aim of interpreting anf fulfilling in the best possible way the careful exercise in style which marks the cuisine of the Restaurant Enoteca Pinchiorri.

via Ghibellina, 87
50122 Firenze (Firenze)
Ph. +39 055 242777

Tuscany Restaurants: Da Caino

Da Caino

A ROAD TO SIMPLICITY
It’s not easy getting to Da Caino. The restaurant is located in a forgotten section of Tuscany called Maremma, a 40-minute drive southeast of the coastal city of Grosseto, next to the Saturnia hot springs. But its well worth the effort.
There’s a relaxed, country atmosphere to this smali family restaurant located in the medieval village of Montemerano. Just walking into the warm, cozy dining room with its wooden beams and fireplaces makes you feel at home. Owner Maurizio Menichetti takes care of the service and the wine cellar. His wife, Valeria Piccini, is in charge of the kitchen.
Menichetti’s wine list is well thoughtout, although the white selection is a bit thin. He only lists a portion of the wines stored in his 20,000-bottle cellar. So if you don’t see a particular wine you want to taste, ask for it. Wines from the region of Maremma are extremely interesting, especially the super Tuscan red from Fattoria Le Pupille, Toscana Saffredi, and a new bottling calied Poggio Valente from its Morellino di Scansano vineyard. There are also plenty of vintages of favorites such as Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Masseto and Solaia, as well as top Brunellos.
And the food is outstanding. It is 100 percent cucina Toscana. Traditional antipasti include small pieces of toast with chicken liver páté and tripe salad with beans, olive oil and thyme; among the classic main courses are grilled sliced steak covered with truffles and roasted lamb with a confit of garlic.
Chef Piccini gives a light touch to everything she does. She cares deeply about her ingredients, and attempts to source the best of everything, from local pecorino cheese and seasonal vegetables to hand-raised lamb.
A smooth, creamy potato soup with a half-dozen boiled quail eggs and slices of spicy Parmesan is warm, succulent and tangy. Another starter of fresh ricotta cheese covered with sliced white truffles and dashed with fresh olive oil is simple but electrifying-the fresh, creamy cheese mingles perfectly with the earthy mushrooms and spicy, tangy oil. Main courses are equally flavorful. Braised oxtail in a sauce of balsamic vinegar and meat reduction is decadent and pungent, yet it’s not heavy or overpowering. Save room for dessert: A coffee tart with a caramel and chocolate sauce is richly chocolaty, but not too sweet.
The only bad part of the evening is facing the drive back after the meal. Perhaps it’s better just to give in completely and book one of the three rooms available for the night.

Via Chiesa, 4
58050 Montemerano (Grosseto)
Ph. +39 0564 602817

Tuscany Restaurants: Arnolfo

Arnolfo

For sure the right restaurant for a charming tuscan dinner.

Guests are treated to unforgettable gastronomic delights in this historic restaurant, deep in the heart of the hills of Chianti.
Here, the taste for creativity and the desire to safeguard tradition are masterly portrayed in offerings of mediterranean brilliance – all prepared here, using the finest ingredients.

Via XX Settembre, 50/52
53034 Colle Val d’Elsa (Siena)
Ph. +39 0577 920549