For most people, a trip to Tuscany takes in the glory of Florence, the stature of Pisa and (maybe) the unique towers of San Gimignano. While all of these sites capture the imagination and offer an insight into both Italian history and culture, none of them fully encompass the essence of Tuscany. For this you must venture outside the city wall into the fame rolling hills of the countryside. You need to get a little dirt under your fingernails.
For me,Tuscany is a very sensual place, and not in a creepy way. The sun shines differently here and brings everything into sharper focus. The air is perfumed with the herbs growing wild in the hills around you. The sounds of animals are everywhere and birds welcome the morning with their song. OK. I know that was overkill. There is some truth to it though.
There is a special texture to the grape vines and olive groves that seem to line every road and adorn every hillside.
These two also supply the flavour of Tuscany. There is no greater gluttonous joy than simple bread with fine olive oil drizzled atop and a Brunello from Montalcino or a Chianti with which to wash it down. The bright acidity found in the Sangiovese grape makes it the perfect match for the richness of fine olive oil. It is also a wonderful accompaniment to the cured meats and risottos that fill local plates and bellies. It is amazing that in such a highly populated country, there is so much open countryside. Now, granted, you might have to watch your step if it is hunting season, but the fact remains that there is more than enough space and fresh air to go around.
I don't know whether it is the Italian sense of humour or the shear joy of being there, but I have one other sense of Tuscany that I would like to share. I don't remember laughing so much for a long time. I seem to laugh for no reason. There are two possible reasons. The first is that I love the Tuscan countryside. The second is that I am barking mad. I will leave you to be the judge next time you are there."
For me,Tuscany is a very sensual place, and not in a creepy way. The sun shines differently here and brings everything into sharper focus. The air is perfumed with the herbs growing wild in the hills around you. The sounds of animals are everywhere and birds welcome the morning with their song. OK. I know that was overkill. There is some truth to it though.
There is a special texture to the grape vines and olive groves that seem to line every road and adorn every hillside.
These two also supply the flavour of Tuscany. There is no greater gluttonous joy than simple bread with fine olive oil drizzled atop and a Brunello from Montalcino or a Chianti with which to wash it down. The bright acidity found in the Sangiovese grape makes it the perfect match for the richness of fine olive oil. It is also a wonderful accompaniment to the cured meats and risottos that fill local plates and bellies. It is amazing that in such a highly populated country, there is so much open countryside. Now, granted, you might have to watch your step if it is hunting season, but the fact remains that there is more than enough space and fresh air to go around.
I don't know whether it is the Italian sense of humour or the shear joy of being there, but I have one other sense of Tuscany that I would like to share. I don't remember laughing so much for a long time. I seem to laugh for no reason. There are two possible reasons. The first is that I love the Tuscan countryside. The second is that I am barking mad. I will leave you to be the judge next time you are there."
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