Visiting Tuscany usually comes with a wine-tasting experience We all know that some of the best wines in the world are produced in this absolutely exquisite Italian region.
But not all wine-tasting experiences are the same.
Some are above and beyond others.
And if you wonder why…
Rita and Silvano
Well… you just need to meet Rita and Silvano and you will immediately understand why.
Rita and Silvano are the owners of Tenuta Casanova.
An organic farm located in the beautiful hills of the Chianti area, between Poggibonsi and Castellina in Chianti.
The original farming settlement dates back to the Middle Ages.
A thousand years ago… But it was not until the early 1800s that Abbot Sprugnoli – a religious man, but also a very talented alchemist – gave birth to the splendid Casanova farm.
In the last years, the farm was completely renovated and restored to its original conditions of 3 hectares of vineyard and 5 hectares of olive groves, together with a cypress forest.
The overall experience is outstanding.
Even if you are like me and never drink wine or any kind of alcohol, I can guarantee that you will love every minute of your time spent there.
Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by the owners, Silvano and Rita, and their staff.
There and then you will have immediately the chance to admire the surroundings.
The farm offers stunning views of the hills of Chianti.
From here you will be able to enjoy views of the vineyards that expand down the hill.
Further afield are the olive groves that offer not only an award-winning extra virgin olive oil but also comforting shade to everyone at the tables.
Soon after your arrival and while at Tenuta Casanova you will not just meet the “human” family.
The Farm
But also the pets and farm animals,
First, there is Mia, both a very sweet puppy that loves cuddling and a very talented truffle-hunter dog.
Then there is the wild boar Chicca, which shares her ample corral – extending in olive groves and cypress woods – with the renowned “Cinta Senese” pigs.
And then while walking around the farm you will encounter ducks, geese, pheasants, beautiful peacocks, and chickens.
Including the very famous black rooster of Chianti, a rare breed typical of this area and the very symbol of Chianti Classico.
And who can ignore or not speak about the honey bees?
The beehives are visible and depending on the time of your visit you may also see the honey bees enjoying themselves flying around.
They are totally harmless so you never have to worry.
During spring and summer, you may be able to observe the harvest of the honey, but only when the time is right.
On the way to The Cellar
After a short presentation of the farm, its history, and how it came to its current appearance and operation, you will be guided to see the cellar.
During the walk to the cellar, you will be able to view the vines, the beehives, the olive trees, and the scented rosemary bushes.
You will be able to see also the organic garden where the owners grow the vegetables they offer during their popular lunches and wine tastings.
The Cellar
Entering the cellar, you will discover the wine aging barrels and the Acetaia where the balsamic vinegar is produced with two different agings:
One of 8 years old, and the other is extremely unique 30 years old.
After the tour of the grounds, the time has arrived to be seated and relax during a lovely lunch and wine tasting.
Lunch and Wine Tasting
Tenuta Casanova offers three different locations for lunch.
A few intimate tables in the shade of the olive trees overlooking the vines.
A lovely terrace with a spectacular view of the hills.
And a cozy room inside the Tenuta that can offer a fresh environment on hot summer days or during autumn and winter visits.
And when the time is right and the weather demands the comforting warmth and charm of the fireplace will keep you company.
The lunch starts with a glass of Facile Innamorarsi (“Easy to fall in love”). A beautiful spumante created with Chardonnay and Malvasia grapes.
Then, you will be served a three-course meal prepared by the expert hands of Rita.
Where each course will be paired with a different red wine from the farm.
Ranging from the beautiful Chianti Classico to the Super Tuscan IGT wines like Sorbaia (Sangiovese and Merlot) and Dincanto, an incredible pure Merlot.
The lunch will end with vanilla gelato served with the unique 3 decades-old balsamic vinegar, an unexpected but amazing match.
The last wine served with the dessert, is called Grouse Eye.
It is a very rare dessert wine obtained with Sangiovese grapes harvested in September and left to dry until Christmas.
Then it is pressed to obtain the must, fermented, and aged in small oak barrels.
On a personal note
I really doubt if you will want to ever leave Tenuta Casanova. But unfortunately, all good things in life do not last that long.
For more information or to book your visit just contact Rita and Silvano through their website.
If you feel like calling them just do that. All their details are on this link on their website.