When you hear about Tuscany is impossible not to think of wine.  For me, one of the best wine experiences I’ve been was at Agriturismo Colognole,  a small paradise with a breathtaking view out over the valley of the Sieve river.

This place has an amazing family history. Conti Spalletti Trivelli family, settled in Tuscany some 130 years ago, purchasing 650 hectares northeast of Florence. Century after century the place was restructured and finally became today’s Colognole Country Wine Estate.

During my visit, I was honored to meet the owner Cesare who gave me a tour of this unique place and teach me all the processes of producing their exquisite wine. Cesare took the time to show me his family legacy and that personalized treatment was definitely what made this experience something unique and rare to find.

The wine tour and tasting experience

I’ve been surrounded by wine all my life and that’s why I decided to visit and explore this industry in my travels. Getting to witness the process behind each wine bottle and the passion that comes with the professionalism of Cesare, is wonderful.

The centuries-old local winegrowing culture and the passion of the Conti Spalletti family are definitely the central themes of the guided winery tours and tastings.  I was able to witness the commitment they have dedicated for more than five generations to growing grapes, in particular, Sangiovese (the most widely planted grape variety in Italy and is the key grape in most of the best red wines of Tuscany). This place is a wine producer in the Chianti Rufina zone and one of the most prestigious in the area.

In my tasting, I was able to try the wines produced at The Chianti Rufina DOCG zone which is the smallest in the extent of the various Chianti denominations, and also the most ancient. The wine’s appearance, aroma, flavor, and textures are some of the highlights I recall from this visit and as a wine lover for so many years, this experience is worth trying and sharing their wine brand with all the world.

In the tasting I tried:

• Chianti Rufina DOCG 2017 Colognole: mainly produced with Sangiovese and Colorino grapes. It has an intense ruby red color and when you smell it, it has fruity hints, enriched with wood notes.
• Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG Riserva del Don 2016 Colognole: careful selection of Sangiovese grapes from three vineyards different in terms of exposure and soil characteristics. It has a concentrated ruby red color and you can scent a floral scent of violet and cherry.
• Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG Riserva del Don 2015 Colognole: careful selection of Sangiovese grapes from three vineyards different in terms of exposure and soil characteristics. It has a concentrated ruby red color and you can scent a floral scent of violet and cherry.
• Vigneto Le Rogaie Chianti Rufina DOCG 2015 Colognole: Intense ruby ​​red color. The nose is expressed with hints of berries and plums and notes of wild violet. On the palate, it is full-bodied, enveloping, soft, and of excellent persistence.
• 4 Chiacchiere an Oltrepoggio 2017 Colognole: Remarkable Chardonnay with a scent of Leather and vanilla.
• Toscana IGT Le Lastre 2018 Colognole:  intense aromas of ripe fruit, almost peppery, with lively hints of raspberry.

The hospitality

In order to have an amazing experience in Colognole, besides the wine tour and tasting, they have an incredible hospitality program with rooms, apartments, and Villas. The amenities of the place are impressive and it has the perfect Tuscany architecture that gives you an unforgettable experience.

The restaurant

Last but not least, in this place that I called a ‘ hidden gem’, I have to write about the restaurant. An impressive chef and team with a one-of-a-kind talent for the amazing food experience. Everything is accompanied by wines perfectly chosen for each flavor.