Birthday

Today was Jacqui’s big day, quite big actually ;-)

After quite a slow start, we eventually had a lovely birthday breakfast outside, mid morning. Then at the crack of 12.30, we were off Destination, Chianti Classico, a region famous for, you guessed it, red wine!

First stop, a rather exclusive vineyard called Castello di Ama. Beautiful setting where we tried their standard Chianti Classico, 20 euro, and then their stunning Haiku, 35 euro. Wow, simply the best wine I have tasted in Italy, not surprising for that price. Also tried and bought some of their Al Poggio, an interesting mix of chardonnay and pinot gris.

Back in the car and off via a geltato stop to another vineyard, Panzanello. Again, a beautiful setting, complete with accommodation, and we tasted outside. Their wines are 100% organic, but strangely they don’t’ state that, they prefer to have people judge on the taste … which unfortunately I was less keen on. Chianti Classico, to be classified as such, has to consist of at least 80% Sangiovese, with the remainder most commonly being merlot. I actually love the style.

Final stop was at Osteria di Passignano, the home of the famous Antinori wines. A bit to famous obviously, and while the others visited the abbey, I wandered in for tasting. Clad in shorts and jandels, I felt just a little out of place in the wood panel shop, and the 25 euro tasting per set of 4 wines, was just a little rich for me, especially with many of the wines in the 60 euro plus bracket. So I skipped it, and went photographing …

Back to the Villa by 6, and at 6.30 the people catering dinner arrived to prepare. Yes, a traditional Italian birthday dinner with everything cooked for us, served, and dishes done. Why wouldn’t you for 28 euros per person? ;-)

First however a swim, then Moet by the pool and at 7.30 the feast began. Appetizers, prosciutto, white bean dips, mozzarella, zucchini flowers – all so good! Followed by 2 types of pasta. And then the main course, my favourite Italian meat, porchetta. Yum! And finished off with divine desert, Tiramisu of course.

All served down beside the pool, overlooking the Tuscan hills. Simply amazing.