Sampling Chianti in an ancient castle

Castello del Trebbio was built in the twelfth century.

It is surrounded by 350 hectares estate (54 hectares vineyards, 10,000 olive trees) and is bordered by native forest.

Once owned by the Pazzi family, it was the scene of the attempted murder of the Medici brothers in 1478.

The castle was given to the Medici family who changed it from a fortress into a villa for the bishop of Fiesole.

The current family bought the estate in 1968 and have restored it respecting its architecture. They currently live in the castle.

During the 50 minute tour of the castle’s courtyard, private chapel and the cellars, the group will hear a brief history of the castle and the Pazzi conspiracy and you will be able to view the Pazzi coat of arms sculpted by Donatello.

The tour concludes with a visit to the old castle’s wine cellars, where the wine is aged and the oil is stored. The group will learn about the Chianti region and how the wine and oil is produced in Tuscany.

The grounds offer many beautiful photo opportunities and, after the wine tasting, the group is welcome to wander amongst the grapevines and olive trees.

Four wines will be offered for tasting as follows:

• Bianco di Castignano 2007
• Chianti DOCG Castello del Trebbio 2007
• Chianti Rufina Riserva ‘Lastricato’ 2003
• Vin Santo 2000

These wines will be served with typical Tuscan antipasti of pecorino cheese, finocchiona salami, fettunta (crisp bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with our extra virgin olive oil) and two other kinds of “crostini”.

The Vin Santo will be served with cantuccini di Prato, our local biscuits with almonds.