Most people in large cities like New York, Paris, Moscow, and London are back to work from the Summer vacation season. Through time, I have personally earned the luxury of making my own work-leisure schedule, therefore I decided to experiment with wine-tasting around the Tuscan vineyards of the Sangiovese grapes.
The world renowned Chianti wine growing region was designated in 1716 describing the region near the villages of Gaiole, Castellina and Radda in Chianti. The so-called Lega del Chianti and later Provincia del Chianti was completely re-drawn 1932. Today it is divided in seven sub-areas: Classico, Colli Aretini, Colli Fiorentini, Colline Pisane, Colli Senesi, Montalbano and Rafina.
At the Florence airport, next to a chic Salvatore Ferragamo outdoor, owner Angelo ‘s driver of Naples-based Turco Global Service was waiting for us with the keys of the magnificent Maserati Grand Turismo rented for the brief stay in the region. We thanked the charming driver with dark glasses (I imagined Persol) and quickly jumped into the car. It’s a sunny and warm day. On the A11 highway South towards Rome we exit at the Firenze Certosa exit.
Following precise instructions, after about half hour we pass through the minute town of Tavarnuzze until we find on the right a crossroad with a little bridge just after a restaurant called ‘Scopeti ‘ and after about a three kilometer drive, we arrive in a small village called S. Andrea in Percussina. This is exactly where we are supposed to be.
On our right, we see the sign for the restaurant “Tavernetta Machiavelli” — the old house of the intriguing philosopher. We turn right once more, at our right we see from afar a big terracotta villa reigning over a large vineyard.
A sign: “Fattoria Mangiacane” and two statues of Nepolitano Mastinos on the gate posts. I am holding my breath tensely. We have arrived at the impressive Mangiacane estate. Watch!
Joelle’s Tips:
The Luxury Car rentals: Turco Global Service:
Office Divisions: Capri/Sorrento/ Costa Smeralda/ Bologna
Tel. +39 081 19575148 – Fax +39 081 5746110
napoli@turcoglobalservice.it
The Restaurant: One of the oldest Historic sites of Italy! Alberghetto Tavernetta Macchiavelli Via Scopeti 64- Sant’Andrea in Percussina -50026 – San Casciano Val di Pesa, Florence
Tel:+39 055 828471 / Fax:+39 055 828471