Preview Tasting of Vino Nobile, 18th,19th, 20th February 2012

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The wheels are already turning for the machine behind the Preview of Vino Nobile, the classic event organized by the Consorzio to present the newly released vintages. The 2012 Preview is planned for the 18th, 19th and 20th February, from 11.00am to 6.00pm, open only to those working in the sector.
Parading on the catwalk will be the Nobile 2009  (awarded 4 out of a maximum of 5 stars), ready for release on the market after two years of maturation, in accordance with the production specifications, and the Riserva 2008, also awarded 4 stars.
The Preview will be held in the Fortress of Montepulciano which will become a real theatre for wine on this occasion. The building has been the focus of a significant restoration project funded by the Vino Nobile producers themselves. The Preview is also a celebratory occasion for the town of Montepulciano, its residents, wine tourists and anyone who enjoys the local area’s fine quality products. For this reason parallel events have been organized throughout the week to involve all aspects of tourism in Montepulciano.
If you like to know more about the members: http://www.consorziovinonobile.it/Soci/ENG/
In Italiano:

Anteprima Vino Nobile 18,19, 20 Febbraio 2012 [18/02/2012]

Sono già in movimento i motori della macchina dell’Anteprima del Vino Nobile, il tradizionale appuntamento promosso dal Consorzio per presentare le nuove annate in commercio. L’Anteprima 2012 è in programma dalle 11.00 alle 18.00 nei giorni del 18, 19 e 20 febbraio ed è riservata agli operatori del settore.

In passerella sfileranno il Nobile 2009 (annata che vanta le 4 stelle, 5 il massimo), pronto ad essere immesso sul mercato dopo i due anni di evoluzione imposti dal disciplinare di produzione ela Riserva 2008, anch’essa annata a 4 stelle.

Sede dell’Anteprima sarà la Fortezza di Montepulciano che per l’occasione diventerà un vero e proprio teatro del vino. L’edificio della Fortezza è proprio al centro di un importante progetto di restauro finanziato dagli stessi produttori del Vino Nobile. L’appuntamento dell’Anteprima è anche un’occasione di “festa” per Montepulciano, per i suoi abitanti, per gli enoturisti, gli appassionati e gli estimatori dei prodotti di qualità del territorio. Per questo durante tutta la settimana sono in programma attività collaterali che coinvolgeranno l’intero sistema turistico di Montepulciano.

Fontanaro and Umbria by bike

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Fontanaro farm is located across the best bikes itineraries of Umbria. We can borrow ours bikes to our guests and we have a service of hlep in case of needs acrss the hills! Have a look as example on this route:

http://www.bikeinumbria.it/mtb/en/routes/difficult/route14.htm

Start and Arrival: Paciano OR FONTANARO

GPS LOCATED AT:  43.02261179555702, 12.060284614562988

Distance: 33km
Height difference: 850 metres
Difficulty: hard
Surface: 70% dirt, 30% sealed
What to see: Paciano, Città della Pieve, Panicale, Monte Pausillo

This route,which goes through the westernmost part of Umbria, can be classified as medium-hard because of its height difference (850m), but it is also very satisfactory from a naturalistic and cultural point of view because it goes by villages of great interest such as Paciano (member of the Borghi più Belli d’Italia club), Città della Pieve and Panicale.

The start is from the centre of Paciano in Piazza della Repubblica, where the trail descends downhill. Leaving the sealed road, it turns into a dirt road which goes under the railway and the main highway before returning to the sealed road below Villastrada.
It continues straight ahead up the short climb towards the “Le Coste” estate and after a quick descent, it meets the SS 71 at km 11,1 where it turns right towards Chiusi. The trail soon leaves the main road (km 11,4) and turns left up the first climb of the route: a wonderful dirt road first through the woods, then through fields and grapevines to San Litardo, where it picks up the SS 71 Nord and continues its climb towards Città della Pieve.
At Città della Pieve, a town of etrusco-roman origins, it is worth stopping at km 18,5 for a visit to the historical centre. From here the trail goes towards the sports ground and continues along a rather uneven dirt road after the sealing ends. At the bottom of the descent , it goes along a narrow valley until it crosses over the SP309 (km 24), into the dirt road on the other side and begins the second, hardest climb of the route. The first 200 metres are very steep and rocky and may cause bikers to dismount , but the rest is not as rough. It continues through the woods for several kilometres , but towards the summit, the forest opens out onto breath-taking views that can reach as far as Mt. Abetone on clear days. The climb ends just a few metres from the top of Mt. Pausillo (km 29,5) where the trail starti descending towards Paciano. After a short deviation along a narrow, exciting single track, it returns to the main dirt road leading back to Paciano in a few kilometres.

What to see

The whole area around Lake Trasimeno is of great interest. The lake is 126 sq.kms, making it Italy’s fourth largest, and it is protected as a Regional Park. Its rounded shape, gentle hills, olive groves and cultivated fields make it a natural attraction and a favourite destination for foreign tourists.

The start and arrival of the route is at Castigione del Lago, the main centre of the lake area and a beautiful town to visit. The historical heart is surrounded by medieval walls and three gateways and beautiful views over the lake can be seen.

Leone, a pentagonal medieval fortress, one of the best examples of military architecture in the region, Palazzo della Corgna, an estageant Renaissance aristocratic residence built by Ascanio della Corgna In 1560 to plans created by Vignola or Galeazzo Alessi.

At Tuoro, not far from the start, is the “Battle of Lake Trasimeno” historical route, which reconstructs the battle between the Romans and the Carthaginians in 217 B.C., when the Romans were soundly beaten by Hannibal’s army.

Passignano is also worth visiting, as it has preserved many of the characteristics of an ancient fortified village protected by walls and a fortress. The church of San Cristoforo, the 15th century church of San Rocco, the church of San Bernardino and the Oratorio di San Rocco are also interesting. Don’t miss a trip on the boat to visit the Maggiore and Polvese islands.

The Castle of the Knights of Malta at Magione is one of the most beautiful in Umbria. It has a square shape with circular towers at the corners. The present building is the result of the enlargement of an earlier castle that was built over an ancient 12th century Benedictine abbey, where the Knights Templar are thought to have resided, and an early hospice founded in the 12th century by the Knights of Jerusalem.

Around the lake, it is worth visiting the ancient villages of Castel Rigone, Montecolognola and Monte del Lago, where there is a beautiful view of the lake, the old fishing villages of San Feliciano and Sant’Arcangelo, and the hamlets nestling amongst the hills between Tuscany and Umbria, such as Gioiella, Villastrada, and San Fatucchio.

Or:

http://classic.mapmyride.com/find-ride/italy/paciano

Join L’Osteria del Teatro for Valentine’s Day

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Valentine’s Day Festival is said to have originated in pagan times when people celebrated February 14 in honor of Roman God of Fertility. Here in Italy we love to go out for dinner with our beloved having an excuse to have a special big dinner, more than writing greetings cards!! So here you are a nice idea to spent the SV Day   in a true italian style!

L’Osteria del teatro is known for romance. A favorite place to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a violinst serenaded by Violinist Fumarola Marna ! . Tuesday February 14.
Aperitivo
Savory ladies’ kissesAntipasto
Acacia honey drizzled over a pork rose accompanied by a pecorino-glazed pear.

Primi Piatti
‘Cupid’s arrow’ (asparagus) Risotto & Fraciacorta Rosè whisked strawberries with rose petals. ‘Hearts in Love’ au gratin with Porcini mushrooms.

Secondo Piatto
Mandarin duck legs with red potato hearts.

Dolce
Gianduja chocolate cream puff.

Reservations are required.

Dinner Seating from 7.30 PM – Where: Cortona, Via Maffei – Cost 50 Euro included 3 differents selected wines and personal sommelier!

Le Logge del Vignola at Montepulciano only for food and wine lovers!

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When we go to Montepulciano for our wine tours we love to stop, after the Redi cellar visit, at Le Logge del Vignola for lanch. This place is rated by Panorama Travel, Bibenda restaurant and a lot of italian guide books each year. In order to be more clear   if you can like it or not…you can read here e a part of the example menu!!!

Starters
Vegetables “tempura” with spicy sauce and bergamot salt €10,00
“Chianina beef Carpaccio” marinated, home made grissini and sheep cheese “fonduta” with truffles €11,00
Selection of traditional “salumi” of “Cinta Senese” served with “cecina” €13,00
Fish Suggestion
Stuffed squid with “inzimino” on a cous-cous and black potatoes puré €11,50

First Courses
(Fresh pasta is homemade and handmade)
Tipical “Ribollita” soup of black cabbage  €11,50
Traditional “Pici” hand made with wild boar ragout and “Pecorino” sheep cheese aged in raisins  €9,50     WE LOVE PICI AND WE TEACH TO DO PICI AT FONTANARO FARM!
Potatoes “Gnocchi” with yellow pumpkin, quail and fresh truffles from hills of Siena €14,50
Fish Suggestion
“Cannoli” stuffed with sweet water perch fish and egg-plant on a cream of onion steamed with tea €14,50

Main Courses
(All our main courses are served with garnish)
“Lamb in two style”, cutlet grilled and leg braised, baked onion €21,50
Entrecote of beef from “Val di Chiana” with aromatic lard and black truffles €19,00
Breast of pigeon and “foie gras” on a bed of polenta with hazel-nuts
from “Cimini Mountain” and VinSanto wine €19,50
Leg of chicken with winter mushrooms and rare Tuscan big garlic sauce €17,50
“A la fiorentina” grilled t-bone steak “Chianina” beef certified
(Served with cannellini white beans) €6,00 per hg 
Fish Suggestion
Crusty “Salt cod” on a cream of carrots, grapefruit and liquorice €19,50

Cheeses Selection
Sheep cheeses from “Pienza” combined with home made jam
Selection of “Alpeggio” cheeses combined  with mustard and jam (Guffanti Selection) €13,50

Dessert

Our homemade “Tiramisù” whit cappuccino mousse € 9,50

Hot and cold of pear on almond biscuit € 8,50

“Tuscan Cigar” (served with rum) € 9,50

“Cantucci Semifreddo” with VinSanto wine jelly € 8,50

Our cheese cake with “raviggiolo” cheese on a soup of wild berries € 9,00

Homemade fresh fruits sorbets and ice-cream € 6,50

Chocolate tasting “I Cru”di Amedei

(Jamaica, Venezuela, Madagascar ,Ecuador, Trinidad, Grenada)

€ 1,00 piece

For wines ask the professional sommelier to show you the private cellar! I love it! They have a wide selection of the best italian wines!

My suggestion is to have a NOBLE WINE OF MONTEPULCIANO at le Logge!

Tax and cover charge included

Where: Via delle Erbe 6, Montepulciano http://www.leloggedelvignola.com/en/where-we-are  Better to book before going :)  TEL + 39 0577 802939 – closed on Tuesdays.

Our comment: We love this place even if there are some other less expensive :)

From Tripadvisor: http://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g194833-d1108703-Reviews-Ristorante_Le_Logge_del_Vignola-Montepulciano_Tuscany.html

Some historical and artistic info about Montepulciano you can read waiting to be served at the restaurant.:) The name of Montepulciano derives from Latin Mons and Publicianus (“Mount of  Publicianus”). According to legend, it was founded by the Etruscan King Porsenna of Chiusi; recent findings prove that a settlement was already in existence in the 4th-3rd centuries BC.

In Roman times it was the seat of a garrison guarding the main roads of the area. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, it developed as a religious center under the Lombards. In the 12th century it was repeatedly attacked by the Republic of Siena, which the Poliziani faced with the help of the Perugia and Orvieto, and sometimes Florence, communes.
he 14th century was characterized by constant struggles between the local noble families, until the Del Pecora family became rulers of the town. From 1390, Montepulciano was a loyal ally (and later possession) of Florence and, until the mid-16th century, lived a period of splendour with architects such as Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola, Baldassarre Peruzzi, Ippolito Scalza and others, building luxurious residences and other edifices here.
In 1559, when Siena was conquered by Florence and Montepulciano lost its strategic role, its importance declined. After the unification of Italy and the drying of the Val di Chiana, the town remained the most important agricultural centre in the area, while the industrial activities moved mostly next to Chiusi, which was nearer to the railroad being built in that period. Montepulciano is standing in for the Volturic Stronghold of Volterra in the film adaptation of the Stephenie Meyer novel New Moon, the second book in the popular Twilight Saga.
Main sights The main street of Montepulciano stretches for 1.5 kilometers from the Porta al Prato to the Piazza Grande at the top of the hill. The city is renowned for its walkable, car-free nature. The main landmarks include: The Palazzo Comunale, designed by Michelozzo in the tradition of the Palazzo della Signoria (Palazzo Vecchio) of Florence. Palazzo Tarugi, attributed to Antonio da Sangallo the Elder or Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola. It is entirely in travertine, with a portico which was once open to the public. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, or the Duomo of Montepulciano, constructed between 1594 and 1680, includes a masterpiece from the Sienese School, a massive Assumption of the Virgin triptych painted by Taddeo di Bartolo in 1401.  The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (late 16th century). It has a simple Mannerist façade with a three-arcade portico. The interior has a single nave, and houses a precious terracotta altar by Andrea della Robbia. The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio is on the road to Chianciano outside the city. It is a typical 16th century Tuscan edifice, designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder on a pre-existing Pieve, between 1518 and 1545. It has a circular (central) plan with a large dome over a terrace and a squared tambour. The exterior, with two bell towers, is built in white travertine. The walls of the city were designed and built under the direction of Grand Duke of Florence Cosimo I de’ Medici in 1511 by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder.

Vinnatur, the International Exhibition of the best natural wines!

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 Fontanaro @ Vinnatur 2012 – Villa Favorita 2012 – March 24,25, 26, 2012 

Vinnatur 2012Fontanaro is proud to announce his participation to the International exhibitions of the best natural wines at Villa Favorita, (Vicenza) from March 24th to March 26th 2012.

This is the 9th edition, hosted in the wonderful scenario of Villa Favorita, a classical setting halfway between Verona and Vicenza. The event is a landmark for all natural wine lovers and professionals.

The members of the Association work hardly to produce terroir wines that will not pollute the soil and respect consumers’ health. In the presence of all the producers, it will be possible to either discover or deepen the knowledge of natural wines. The group believes that only by eliminating pesticides, herbicides and reducing as much as possible sulfurs and additives, is possible to be really near to the “terroir”. And Fontanaro farm is totally commited with their Manifesto.

During the happening VinNatur will organizes meetings, conferences and experimentations with researchers and scientists, and  members can be updated with the latest results and news in natural winemaking.

Let’s come and stay with us at Fontanaro in Villa la Favorita. As usual every day we will make free tasting and workshop on the excellance of the organic olive oil.

 You are invited to visit the new website www.vinnatur.org   or  https://www.facebook.com/vinnatur   or the group https://www.facebook.com/events/162455993857395/   to get the latest news, to know the list of wineries, and to get any further information.

Fontanaro will take part also at VINI NATURALI on  February in Rome (10th to 12th). http://www.vininaturaliaroma.com/ @ Hotel Columbus, in Via della Conciliazione.

IN ITALIANO: 

Il Fontanaro a  Vinnatur, Villa Favorita, 24-25-26 Marzo 2012

Il Fontanaro, partecipa a Vinnatur 2012, l’evento internazionale che raccoglie l’eccellenza dei vini naturali . Circa 150 sono i produttori scelti per questa edizione che si terrà a Villa la Favorita dal 24 al 26 marzo, in contemporanea  con  Vinitaly a Verona. Per ulteriori informazioni e le ultime notizie sull’evento:   www.vinnatur.org   https://www.facebook.com/vinnatur

Non mancate! Vi aspettiamo! Con noi sempre workshop e degustazioni gratuite sull’eccellenza dell’olio bio-ecologico!

E prima di Vinnatur il Fontanaro sarà anche presente a Vini Naturali a Roma dal 10 al 12 febbraio a via della Conciliazione, presso l’Hotel Columbus. Vi aspettiamo! http://www.vininaturaliaroma.com/

Florence’s Artisan Chocolate Fair, 10th to 19th of February

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Florence’s Artisan Chocolate Fair is held  in Piazza della Repubblica, (15 minutes walks by the santa maria Novella train station in Florence) where Tuscany’s top chocolatiers display the art of chocolate making. The programme includes tasting, shops, sampling, games, and events, the best this year should be: The cold chocolate!!

Here you are a list of the top at the show: Ficodì – Rosoli di Sicilia , Il Mondo delle Golosità, Dolcilandia, Cioccolateria di Maria, Tuttafrutta Stringhetto, Cioccolato e Gelato, Becagli, Cioccolateria Dona Malina, Cioccotorino, Choco Passion, Arte del Cioccolato esclus, Catinari, Antica Barbagia, Cioccolateria Marino, Torta Pistocchi. (Torta Pistocchi is a must all the year for us where we go to Firenze, have a look on their web and if you go there, trust us, don’t miss to taste the torta!!!http://www.tortapistocchi.it/en/la-torta/ )

More info at: http://www.fieradelcioccolato.it/

In Italiano – Dal 10 al 19 febbraio 2012 a Firenze - Nuova location ma vecchie (e golose) abitudini: l’ottava edizione della Fiera del Cioccolato Artigianale di Firenze si terrà in piazza della Repubblica, tenendo sempre presente, prima di tutto la qualità dei prodotti. Si segnalano  tre eventi: ”Il cioccolato e le spezie… il cacao in cucina dal salato al dolce”, “Il cioccolato freddo” e “Le strane coppie: degustazioni di insolite accoppiate”.

New opening in Paciano: Il Baretto!

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Paciano centro has a new bar right in the center across from the Comune.

It is quite a change from the traditional bars in its decor. There are tables outside, and also in the small ‘cove’ to the left of the bar, which has umbrella heaters and a screen for viewing the football matches.

In the garden out back, they are now preparing for the spring, with tables and chairs and umbrellas, so you can enjoy your coffee in the morning, overlooking Lake Trasimeno from this lovely ‘Terrazza sul Trasimeno‘ or an aperitivo in the afternoon as the sun is setting.

For light dining, they offer various salads, panini, cheese and meat trays, and even hotdogs for the kids. Come visit the new hotspot in Paciano. Via Sensini 43. Tel 075.830555.

Article by our super big friend Margaret Leon

PS More info about the Fontanaro farm village on :http://www.fontanaro.it/newsite/wp/curiosit%c3%a0/destinations/paciano/