Under the Tuscan Sun. Our menu this week will travel through the region, highlighting specialties from its different provinces. We are also introducing a little known light Tuscan red wine, Sabazio, that is best enjoyed lightly chilled, to “temperature di cantina.”
La Braccesca, Sabazio, Rosso di Montepulciano 2018.
It’s the season for chillable Italian reds!
Red wines made in this fresh, vibrant style have bright, brambly flavors that pop when the temperature rises.
La Braccesca Sabazio, from south of Chianti in Tuscany has the freshness associated with the traditional Sangiovese variety together with vibrant aromas characteristic of Merlot in a unique expression of the centuries-old Montepulciano territory.
Di Sicilia...Sole e Terra, Horus, Bianco di Sicilia, 2018
This wine is produced by blending two most important and top-rated Sicilian varieties – Insolia and Grillo. This blend creates bright straw-yellow colored wine with the scent of white flowers and exotic fruits. The taste is remarkable with pronounced minerality.
A new Sicilian wine culture is producing some of the most exciting labels in Italy today.
Sicilian Paradiso Because of its strategic location in the center of the Mediterranean, Sicily attracted numerous invaders, all leaving their mark on local cuisine. It is simple food, “cucina povera,” but immensely rich in ingredients, giving us some wonderfully flavorful options for our summer Sicilian menu. Fruits and vegetables are abundant. Eggplant, fennel, tomato, citrus, peaches, pistachios, almonds, olives, ricotta and swordfish are all featured. Though agriculturally rich, Sicily has suffered under the weight of adversity. Internationally acclaimed film, Cinema Paradiso, offers a particularly poignant glimpse into post war rural life – still amazingly relevant today. We think it is an enriching addition to this week’s menu, creating an authentic Sicilian experience. Menu Insalata di Finocchio ed Arance Fennel...
Florence in June – Bitter Rivalries & Sweet Elixirs.
June in a wonderful month to visit Florence. It is a month when pagan and Christian rites combine to celebrate colorful sporting events, Renaissance parades, and ancient culinary traditions. Calcio Storico is a well-kept Florentine secret; Medieval-style soccer played in typical Renaissance garb. Think rugby meets cage-fighting with pantaloons.
Not only does June 24th mark the birthdate of Florence’s patron saint, John the Baptist, it is the day to harvest soft green walnuts to make the spicy “digestivo,” Nocino.
