For aesthetes and gourmands alike, a visit to Florence – capital of Italy’s Tuscan wine region – is a must, says Victoria Daskal. Read her Florence travel guide, from the Decanter August 2011 issue.
Florence: Six of the best estates to visit
☆ Lanciolla, Chianti Colli Fiorentini
Just 15 minutes from Florence, Lanciola has an extensive list of wines to taste. Top of my list was the Terricci, IGT Toscana; the 2001 is just about ready to drink, boasting captivating black olive notes. lanciola.it
☆ Malenchini, Chianti Colli Fiorentini
This beautiful family-owned winery is 20 minutes from Florence – you can even see the Duomo from the 11th century watchtower. Classic wines from a property once belonging to the Medici family. malenchini.it
☆ Petreto, Chianti Colli Fiorentini
Winemaker Alessandro Fonseca has ignored tradition and planted mainly French grapes. His white wine, Podere Sassaie, is a blend of his best grapes each year. He also makes the Sauternesesque, Pouriture Noble, which is gaining cult status. Tel: +39 (0)55 651 9021
☆ Torre a Cona, Chianti Colli Fiorentini
This neo-classical 17th century villa has been authentically restored and renovated. It offers 10 apartments to rent during the summer as well as organised wine tastings. Try the Terre di Cino IGT Toscana and Vin Santo.
villatorreacona.com
☆ Candialle, Chianti Classico
This new winery is headed up by a husband and wife team from Finland
and Germany, who are very modern in their viticulture, winemaking and marketing. Their IGT Toscanas Ciclope and Pli are well worth tasting. candialle.com
☆ Rignana, Chianti Classico
A small, family-run winery dating back to the 12th century, producing a Rosato, Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico Riserva. While the winemaker’s techniques are modern, his wines are traditional and old-world in style. rignana.it
