The end of the summer, the beginning of the grape harvest
There is nothing that more signifies the end of the summer season than the slow tractors on the roads and the seasonal workers in their droves dotted across the vineyards. Grape picking – the harvest in Tuscany takes place between the end of August and mid-October usually, depending on the grape and the weather.
Sangiovese grapes ripe for picking on the Frescobaldi Nipozzano estate
Where near to Villa Campestri can you taste some of the local “grape” nectar? Well it won’t be this year’s obviously as most of that is still on the vines, but there are still some great wines to be tasted, and bought, and whilst you are buying and tasting you might glimpse some of the vast amount of work that goes into making a single of bottle of delicious Tuscan wine.
Azienda Agricole Frascole is literally a small collection of houses that date back to the Middle Ages and the lands around them, overlooking the small town of Dicomano (literally minutes by car from Villa Campestri). Wine tastings and visits to the cellars can be arranged by calling Enrico on 339 305 0554 (English and French are good too). Their wine production comprises Bitornino DOCG (a red Chianti), Frascole DOCG (Chianti Rufina red wine), Frascole Riserva (Chianti Rufina Riserva red wine), Venia IGT (red wine) and Vinsanto DOC (fortified wine).
Or you could visit Azienda Agricola Il Rio run by Paolo Cerrini and his wife Manuela. Their fabulous website is currently only in Italian, but if you wish to try maybe their Carabà (Sauvignon blanc), Annita (pinot nero), Terosé (rosé da pinot nero) or Ventisei (pinot nero) or perhaps visit their wine cellars then just ring Manuela on 338 6226927 and she will happy to help you. Again, this family run business is just minutes away from Villa Campestri by car.
Last but not least is Fattoria Selvapiana, whose website is currently undergoing maintenance. They can be found in Località Selvapiana in Rufina (20 minutes from Villa Campestri) and you can taste their Chianti Rufina Vendemmia, Riserva Bucerchiale, Vinsanto del Chianti Rufina (fortified wine), Fornace or Pomino Rosso DOC. Just ring 055 8369848.
As you can see, at just a stone’s throw from Villa Campestri you can find some not only great wines, but entirely traditional and genuine ones, made by small local family businesses who have being doing this and little else for generations. A taste of times gone by! Cheers.
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