Random Chianti Moments-June 5

Cecilia’s big smile and gentle greeting at the bus stop.

The first sip of wine as we looked over the valley upon arrival at the villa.

Rocky and Luna (Cecilia’s dogs) in search for some attention (countless moments).

The warm, early morning walk from the villa to the bus stop along the winding, dusty road en route to Florence to pick up the car…felt like Michael Corleone on his Italian pilgrimage morphed with the memory of hitchhiking in Chili (see “Chili with Staggering Velocity!”).

Our conversation and tasting with Alfredo Correani and his wife at Lorenzo’s (named after Alfredo's son), a tiny vineyard just down the road. Alfredo paints all of the wine bottle labels and had just finished painting a wall inside the cellar when we arrived. He spoke broken English, we spoke no Italian, but between the non-verbals and a little Spanish, we had one of the most sincere and cheerful conversations in recent memory…he jubilantly told us about his upcoming exhibit in Florence. Bought a bottle of Chianti Classico and a small bottle of fresh olive oil.

Serving ourselves at Le Cantine…tried our first Brunello.

Early afternoon plucking of cherries.

Curl up in the hammock, cocoon style.

Early morning breakfast in the small courtyard outside our door…fresh fruit, pastries, jam, yogurt, strong Italian coffee and the creamiest butter we’ve ever had.

Our sserendipitous tasting at Pian del Gallo, an organic vineyard and farm on the outskirts of Greve en Chianti. It was pouring rain and near the end of the day. After a short, bumpy ride, we scampered to the front entrance. “Closed.” We then knocked on the door of the residence…waited and headed back to the car. Just before driving off, Hector, the owner comes out with umbrella in hand and welcomes us in. He then spends the next 60 minutes sharing his family’s food, wine and stories. By far, the most genuine, passionate and interesting wine tasting experience we’ve ever had. As soon as he saw our interest in wine and organic farming, he lit up and gave impassioned and descriptive responses to our rapid-fire questions…His homemade sundried tomatoes were unbelievable. We tried 5 wines and their 25 year balsamic vinegar. Their 2008 Super Tuscan “Contessa Eletta” was absolutely fabulous. Hector dabbed a little of the vinegar on Carrie’s hand to taste. Wow! We could have spent hours there, but alas…Hector needed to go to church with his wife (we saw them at the pizzeria later in the evening).

Conversation with Steph and Leon, a couple from Colorado on their second stay at Podere Torre, as more rain clouds rolled over the distant hills.

Chorus of birds signing in the early morning.

Learning a lot about Italian wine and EU organic production. Carrie just started reading “The Girl Who Plays With Fire.” I’m plowing through “The Traveler’s History of Italy.” Of course, there is always the Lonely Planet.

Wine glass reflecting the dim candlelight as I near the end of this entry...

Heading south towards Siena in our drop-top Fiat convertible (total fluke) en route Spannochia.

Ciao!