| Traditional Tuscan
Recipe: |
| MINESTRONE
DI VERDURE - Vegetable Soup |
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This is a wonderful
fall and winter appetizer or main course for those cold days. The main
ingredients of garlic, cabbage, potatoes and white beans are products of
the late summer and early fall harvest. Tuscan cooking is based on
using fresh and in-season fare... so visit your local farmers market or
organic food co-op to purchase as many fresh vegetables available in
your area.
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MINESTRONE
DI VERDURE / Chianti
Classico 2004, Croce, Terrabianca, Tuscany, Italy
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Brilliant bright
ruby, just translucent. Elegant mineral notes combine with bitter cherry
aromas mixed with touches of porcini and fresh mint along with hints of
fine cigars. Exceptional balance on the palate with earthy notes
blending with bright fresh raspberry and touches of vanilla, yet not one
component dominates. The tannins are firm, but not at all harsh and the
earthy flavors grow and become more and more complex in the finish. A
stunning combination of terroir and modern winemaking with a wonderful
lively balance throughout. No barriques are used for Croce only large
Slovenian casks.
Click here for more wine and food parings. |
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Explore and
Experience Tuscany! |
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Tuscany is a
charmed land, known for its magnificent landscapes, beaches and artistic
and scientific contributions to modern society. Visitors to Tuscan
towns and villages are presented with some of the most impressive
architecture, gardens and town squares. Tuscany has been continuously
influenced by some of the world’s greatest empires and individuals. From
the Etruscans, who left many unique roads that are used today to the
Romans and the Medici family who financed much of the Renasiannce.
Opportunities abound for outdoor adventure with bike tours, world
championship golf courses and resorts and trips back to the past for
history enthusiasts throughout the region. |
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HIGHLIGHT: Arezzo
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| Arezzo is a city in
Tuscany and is a the capitol city of the province of the same name.
Arezzo lies approximately 50 miles south-east of Florence and as of 2008
had a population of 98,788 people.
Arezzo proper sits
atop a steep hill above the floodplain of the Arno. In the upper part of
the town are the cathedral, the town hall and the Medici Fortress
(Fortezza Medicea), from which the main streets branch off towards the
lower part as far as the gates. The upper part of the town maintains its
medieval appearance despite the addition of later structures.
From
the Etruscan period through Roman occupation and eventual liberation
from military rule, Arezzo has grown and prospered over the centuries.
Visitors can view and learn about much of the history from the
architecture and museum records housed throughout the city. |
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Sites of Interest
in Arezzo: |
The Piazza Grande
was once the main marketplace of the city and remains the most
noteworthy medieval square in the city. Located at the opening behind
the thirteenth-century Romanesque apse of S. Maria della Pieve. Along
with the apse of the church, other landmarks of the square include:
- The Palace of the Lay Fraternity (Fraternita dei
Laici): 14th-15th century palazzo, with a Gothic ground floor and a
quattrocento second floor by Bernardo Rossellino.
- The Episcopal Palace, was the seat of the bishops,
rebuilt in the mid-13th century. The interior has frescoes by Salvi
Castellucci, Teofilo Torri, and Pietro Benvenuti. In front of the Palace
is the Monument to Grand Duke Ferdinando I de' Medici (1595), by Pietro
Francavilla, following a design of Giambologna.
- Palazzo Cofani-Brizzolari, with the Torre
Faggiolana.
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Festivals in
Arezzo
- Guido d’Arezzo is an international choral festival.
- Arezzo is home to the Saracen Joust (Giostra del
Saracino). During this festival "knights" on horseback representing
different areas of the town charge at a wooden target attached to a
carving of a Saracen king and score points according to accuracy.
Virtually all the town's people dress-up in medieval costume and
enthusiastically cheer on the competitors.
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Tuscan Way
2829 Bird Ave., Suite 5, #242 Coconut Grove, FL 33133 USA
Tel: 800-766-2390 or 305-598-8368 Fax: 305-598-8369,
Email: inquire@tuscanway.com |
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