San Gimignano (Chianti)
We checked out of our Airbnb and continued our journey to the next wine region, Chianti. Before we returned to the car to leave, we found a nice cafe for a quick cappuccino.
Cappuccinos in the morning!
On our drive back from Banfi yesterday, we had noticed some Pecorino cheese shops along the way. Unfortunately, they were closed in the afternoon. We decided to stop by one of them on our way out of town.
We found Cusgusi Silvana. It is located just outside of Montepulciano which made it a short drive for us. This dairy is a family run traditional dairy that uses Sardinian cheese making techniques. It is run by the daughters of the people who started it in 1962. They are know for making Pecorino cheeses.
We were able to sample the cheeses, which made it hard to decide which one to get. They sell the cheeses by weight in full rounds, half rounds, or quarter rounds. We got three quarter rounds. One of the famous Pecorino, one of the Truffle Pecorino (made with white truffles) and Candido (a Brie style cheese). We are looking forward to having these with the wines we have picked up along the way!
Cheese!
The area is so scenic, there are terraces overlooking Montepulciano and the hillsides covered in olive tree groves, grape vineyards and herb planted meadows that the farms goats graze in. (Herb infused goats!). Picnic tables and chairs are available for you to sit and enjoy. Unfortunately, the weather was windy and cold when we were there. It would be perfect for a warm sunny day!
Picnic Area.
Next we headed to San Gimignano in the Chianti Region of Tuscany. Here we went to the IL Colombian di Santachiara winery. This is a family run winery known for making white wine with the Vernaccia grape. This grape is an ancient Tuscan white grape and is cultivated exclusively around San Gimignano. It is used to make some of the best white wine in the area. This made Sandy happy since she loves white wine! They also grow Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, but they specialize in their white wines. Like other Tuscan regions, there are strict rules to get the DOCG certification. I had noticed that the region name (Chianti) was not on the label for the white wines. This is because it is only used on the red wines in the area.
We tasted three white wines paired with selected meats and pickled vegetables. We also tasted three red wines paired with some great local cheeses.
The meat selection was interesting. We got prosciutto, sausages and a thin sliced birolle - This is a Tuscan meat made from all the parts for the pig, including the brain. It was actually pretty good! I really liked the pickled vegetables as well.
The cheeses ranged from mild to a strong blue cheese. All were very good and paid wonderfully with the wines.
Next we drove into San Gimignano. This medieval hill town is known for its towers. The wealthy families in the Middle Ages would build towers to show off their wealth. At one time, there were about 72 towers in this town. Today only 14 survived. It is still very impressive.
It is a very touristy town with lots of shops. We checked out Gelateria Dondoli, (a local gelato place) that has received awards for the best gelato in Italy.
We walked around town and took in the sights. There were street performers to help you feel the atmosphere that was most likely here in the past.
Street performers.
Our lodging for the night will be at Borgo Casa al Vento in Gaiole in the Chicanti Region. This place has all types of accommodations from single Tuscan style rooms to Private Villas. The property was originally a rural Tuscan Hamlet. The cluster of stone farm buildings were part of a small medieval rural settlement. It was restored into its current accommodations in 1992. They also grow their own grapes for wine as well as olive trees for olive oil.
Borgo Casa al Vento
We rented a private villa with a private patio that overlooks the surrounding olive orchards and vineyards. The villa was very charming and comfortable.
Inside our villa.
It had been a long day of driving, so we decided to eat at the on-site restaurant called Osteria del Borgo. They serve Tuscan style food with a modern creative touch. The food was amazing and very affordable!
Sandy really liked the olive oil made here. “The best we have had since we got here”. I ordered a bottle of the wine they produce here. It was pretty good. We did not finish the bottle, so they let me record it and bring it back to our room.
