Through Kate Gatena, who works for Kendall Jackson Wines, we were able to set up a private wine tasting at the Tenuta di Arcento Estate in Tuscany. On our way from Florence to Rome we stopped for a tasting and a walk around their beautiful estate. In 1994 when the Jackson family from California toured the estate they fell in love with the area. The next two decades they replanted the vineyards on the 2500 acre property which now produces Chianti Classico and Super Tuscan wine. We were able to taste three Chianti Classico and three Super Tuscan wines. During the tasting I also learned a lot about these wines. I have a favorite wine from Dillian Wines in Amador County that is a reserve Sangiovese. I found out that to be a Chianti Classico there must be at least 70% Sangiovese in the blend. That's why I like the Dillian wine so much. I also learned that a Super Tuscan is a blend of mostly Cabernet Franc or Merlot.
After the tasting we walked around the estate. The estate has rolling hills, lush green forests, ancient Cypress trees, olive groves, vineyards and medieval stone castles. There are many villas on the estate and some you can rent out. I would like to do that on a future trip. Tuscany is such a beautiful relaxing area and don't forget the wine.
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| Vineyard and rolling hills |
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| Ancient statue of half man half goat |
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| Reminded me of a scene from Gladiator |
