Vin Santo - the "Holy Wine"

Easter is now close and the period is perfect to travel around Tuscany and taste the Vin Santo: emblem of Tuscan hospitality and ancient ritual of the feast.

The best time to taste it? In May! When little casks "caratelli" are opened after at least 7 years vintage!

Some famous Vin Santo wineries

La regola - Riparbella http://www.laregola.com/

Beconcini – San Miniato http://www.pietrobeconcini.com/

San Michele a Torri - Scandicci http://www.fattoriasanmichele.it/

San Gervasio – Palaia http://www.sangervasio.com/

Sorelle Palazzi – Morrona http://www.sorellepalazzi.it/

Marini – Pistoia http://www.marinifarm.it/

Rocca di Monte Grossi - Gaiole in Chianti http://www.roccadimontegrossi.it/

San Giusto a Rentennano – Gaiole http://www.fattoriasangiusto.it/

Isola e Olena - Siena

Vin Santo is a product that has its roots and origins are lost in the mists of time, has always been made with techniques passed down orally from father to son as a precious heritage. It 'an ancient amber-colored wine, more or less, and for its particular organoleptic characteristics are consumed in combination with the sweet dessert when features (known throughout the world with the combination of almond biscuits) and may well be accompanied to the blue cheese crostini blacks or liver, when present in dried form. Occupies an important place in Tuscan and prestige since the Middle Ages

A bit 'of history.

There are various theories on the etymology of the word. A Sienese version speaks of a Franciscan monk who during the Great Plague of 1348 took care of the victims of the disease with a wine that was commonly used by the brothers to celebrate mass, this would be a widespread belief that this wine had miraculous miraculous properties, giving it the ' title of "saint."

Another version is a native of Florence, according to which during the Council of Florence in 1439, Metropolitan John Bessarion greek proclaimed, as he was drinking greek wine: "This is the wine of Xantos", perhaps referring to a sweet greek wine (a wine made from raisins pressed) from Santorini. His guests, who had confused the word "Xantos' with 'santos', thought that he had discovered in the wine quality worthy of being defined as "holy". In any case, from that moment it was called Vin Santo.

Dont't forget to pair Vin Santo with an artisanal Easter cake, the "Colomba", better if the classic one with almonds on top.

Enjoy it and best wishes!

The Theatre of Silence opens again this year for a one only event on Thursday July 21st

The 2011 edition takes a look special, because the Theatre of Silence and its Honorary President, Master Andrea Bocelli, enthusiastically accepted an invitation from the Ambassador Extraordinary of the Republic of China in Italy to host "Bravo China".

"Bravo China" is a show in which internationally renowned Chinese artists together key actors of the host country, from the world of beautiful singing, dance and pop music, a spectacular event that creates a dialogue and an exchange of high-profile artistic between two countries so far away, the night of the Theatre of Silence will artistically closer.

The nine previous editions have crossed all five continents, from Hollywood to Rio de Janeiro through the Acropolis in Athens and the Kremlin in Moscow.

"Bravo China" will also be a televised event and will be broadcast on major national networks of the two countries.

Confirmed the presence of Maestro Andrea Bocelli is joined with that of the Chinese pianist Lang Lang, an artist of established reputation, who has performed with orchestras all over the world.

The artistic cast of the event is still being finalized, but it is already secure the presence of tenor Dai Yuqiang, the pride of Chinese opera, and the singer Liu Huan, who in 2008, he performed the official theme song of the opening ceremony Olympic Games in Beijing, "You and Me", with British singer Sarah Brightman.

The cast includes the extraordinary participation of the Italian violinist Uto Ughi, of Etoile 's Eleanor Abbagnato Opera Garnier in Paris, and flutist Andrea Griminelli.

Suggestions

How to get there

If you have a car, you can enjoy a nice walk up to the yellow hills, where wheat grass has turned dry after June harvest.

You can also stop to by some food on your way and have a pic nic before the gates open.

NB: there is a quite steep slope to reach for the entrance which might not be suitable for people having heart or walking problems. Ambulances and volunteers are ready to help anybody in need to reach for it and have a preferential entrance.

Vans and Shuttle can park in La Sterza Parking, where the ticket office is and a public shuttle will drive you to the theatre.

Cons

After the concert, have some patience and stay in the line with your car...or get out before the end and avoid the dust cloud raised by cars...

Tickets

The official ticket seller and organizer of the event is Four One: http://www.fourone.it/ and tickets are available since March 29th. Hurry up then! Last year tickets went sold out in one week!

The tickets will go on general sale on 4/4/2011 on WWW.VIVATICKET.IT AND ALSO WWW TICKETONE.IT.

Tickets goes from €69 in green area to €230 in executive.

Tickets shall be claimed at the parking area in La Sterza, then plan to be there in due advance of the beginning. Queues are quite long!

Tickets are not delivered without an ID or passport.

As for accommodation

I strongly recommend:

Poggio al Casone estate in Crespina, if you are spending one week in Tuscany: http://www.poggioalcasone.com/

or very close to Lajatico:

Agriturismo La Mandriola http://www.agriturismolamandriola.com/

On weekly rental again, but for a cheaper rate, I found a cosy apartment in the heart of Lajatico village:

http://www.lajatico.info/AppartamentoCastelloLajatico.htm

you can even walk to the event from here.

Last, I'd suggest the old Mansion of Pieve dè Pitti in La Sterza:

http://www.pievedepitti.it/country-guesthouse/accommodation.html

When you are there, do not forget to taste the Bocelli family wine at his cellar in La Sterza: http://www.albertobocelli.com/

Wishversilia welcomes any request or query to make your sojourn in Tuscany unforgetable!

Enjoy the event!