Archive for 'Wineries & Breweries'

Tourists might be amazed to learn that Italy produces over a quarter of the world’s wine! Its ideal geographical layout of sun kissed hills and a warm all year climate means that over sixty percent of Italian vineyards are located on hillsides. Tuscany is most famous for its red wines and has a great reputation of wine production as seven DOCG and thirty five DOC wines are produced here. Read our fascinating article on Italian wine classification awards to learn more about the high standards required to earn these prestigious awards.

The best way to begin harvesting grapes is by hand, gently so that the skin isn't broken and exposed to oxygen. They are quickly brought to be washed and have any stems or leaves removed.

The first process is called the pressing stage and the objective is to gently press the grapes so that the juices can start to flow and mix with the yeast naturally found in the grape skins. This marks the beginning of the fermentation process.     Read More

If you’ve ever wondered what the labels of DOCG, DOC, IGT AND VDT mean when you see them on Italian wine bottles, then you’re reading the right article to find out! During the late 20th century, Italy decided to create laws to protect the quality and uniqueness of their wines by implementing certain rules that had to be strictly obeyed to receive a certain category of quality label. Visitors staying in a tuscany villa rental are sure to see a selection of these labels which might help inform their choice of wine to enjoy.     Read More

Wine and Italy go hand in hand, with some of the world's most famous elixirs being manufactured here. From Chianti to Prosecco, there is no shortage of delicious wines to try. One of the most interesting is the vino novello in Italy, which is the new wine. There are numerous festivals and feasts throughout Italy, all in celebration of the new wine harvest. This fresh, young red wine is the first wine combing from the grape harvest, with an intense color and fragrance. It is served during the first part of November, and can be made from any local grapes. Some popular grapes that are used include Merlot, Nero d'Avola, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sangiovese, for example.

There are several rules that pertain to the vino novello in Italy. For example, it is only allowed to be sold after November 6th of the year of the grape harvest, after midnight.     Read More

Anyone who knows anything about wine, and even those who don’t know much at all will have heard of the fantastic wine that is sometimes nicknamed the "Bordeaux of Italy".

Yes Chianti wine is famous, first being classed as a ‘type’ of wine in the 13th century. The primary grape used for reds is Sangiovese.

Red Chianti wine is often defined as a fruity wine meaning that it will also appeal to new wine drinkers. If you are new to the world of wine but would like to learn then Chianti offers many tours of wineries that are both enjoyable and enlightening.

The wine itself has many different flavours associated with it including cherry, spice, tobacco, and almonds.

It is often found accompanying well seasoned foods as it is strong and bold in flavor, and thus it is the perfect compliment to the traditional Italian cuisine. 

So if Guinness tastes better in Ireland, do you think Chianti Wine tastes better in Italy? If you’d like to find out while also taking a holiday in Italy, why not have a look at some of the holiday villas available in Tuscany and the Chianti Region itself? With guided wine tours and fantastic scenery and food, it’s something you don’t want to miss out on.     Read More