Tuscany - Grapes drying for Vin Santo

Classic Tuscany

27 - 31 October 2009

A wonderful blend of respect for tradition and a determined attitude to increasing quality makes Italy one of the most exciting wine regions of the world, and nowhere more so than Tuscany.

The Italian wine scene in Tuscany has undergone a dramatic change in the past twenty years in terms of quality. Long gone are the straw covered fiascos of Chianti and DOC wines of questionable standards. Italy in general has transformed their wine industry, concentrating on producing superb traditional regional wines, and Tuscany was at the forefront of the revolution of introducing world-class Vino di Tavola from international grape varieties. More recently with the rest of Italy following this trend, the Tuscans have turned the tide again and they are concentrating on exploring the superb qualities of their native grape varieties.

From our delightful 4* hotel, the most beautiful small palace in the centre of Radda in Chianti, we visit a hand-picked selection of the top wine estates to taste the traditional Chianti Classico, which at this level qualify for some of the most impressive wines of Italy. The main grape variety is Sangiovese, which appears in many guises and under a variety of names! In the Chianti Classico zone, we will be visiting some of the leading estates of Tuscany, including Castello di Ama, and both Castello di Fonterutoli and Felsina for private lunches.

As well as Chianti Classico, we visit Chianti Ruffina just east of Florence, where the elegant wines historically have a greater ageing capacity. Here at Castello di Selvapiana we taste stunning wines including both their single vineyards - Bucerchiale, which is an outstanding example of Chianti - and Fornace, which includes a small amount of Cabernet for a more intense mouthful. Lunchtime and the afternoon are free in Florence.

We also head south to the DOCG of Montalcino to taste the famous Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino taste there. Our visits are to two of the stellar smaller estates - Paradiso di Manfredi and Tenuta Il Poggione where we lunch at the cellars. Montalcino itself is a fascinating hill town with an interesting history; it was here that the Guelfs of Siena hung on for another six years after the Republic of Siena was overthrown by Florence in 1553. We have some time to explore after lunch.

Although some Tuscan whites are frankly disappointing, the best Vernaccia di San Gimignano is truly world class. We taste with the leading estate Teruzzi & Puthod who we have visited many times on tours since 1990. After this we have a brief call into the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano itself with its extraordinary merchant tower houses.

This is wonderful tour with outstanding wine and very special invitations to dine with top producers. The pace is relatively relaxed with time to visit the classic Tuscan towns and cities. There is of course plenty of time in Radda, there is an afternoon and evening in Siena, visits to Montalcino and San Gimignano, and lunchtime in Florence. Plus there is the possiblity of staying on here.

Why not stay on and enjoy Florence for a couple of nights?
Stay on for a few days after (or before) the tour to explore Florence in our favourite family run 4* hotel on the banks of the Arno. We highly recommend the Hotel Berchielli, an elegant and comfortable 4* hotel. For two nights B&B here in a twin River View superior room, the additional cost is just £250 per person bringing the total tour cost to £1499 for 6 nights in four star hotels.

The coach will drop you at the hotel after we drop the other clients at Pisa. Return transfer to the airport is not included, but there is a regular direct train from the centre of Florence to Pisa airport terminal. Alternatively the hotel can arrange a taxi for you if you prefer.