It is often said that there is nothing like the regional products of a territory to tell its history and culture. It is precisely the fruits of the earth. To tell us how men have shaped the landscape where they live we must look at agriculture, breeding, and all the transformation activities that go through the entire supply chain, up to the final consumer. To achieve this, there is nothing better than the moment of their consumption, spending time together having a meal, sharing stories and tales.
This is precisely the spirit with which we approached the “Wednesday with Nobile“, organized by the Strada del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano e dei Sapori della Valdichiana Senese and the Consortium of Vino Nobile. It is a traditional event that combines some of the most famous and appreciated typical products of this territory, in a convivial and pleasant atmosphere that allows you to discover the Valdichiana and its food and wine.
The meeting point is on Wednesdays, as the name implies, in the usual late afternoon time (from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm), which is perfect to taste Vino Nobile combined with some typical local dishes, also enjoying the warmth of the sunset. The place is particularly impressive: it is the “Enoliteca” [Wine and Olive Oil Shop] of the Consortium of Vino Nobile, recently renovated and set up inside the Fortress of Montepulciano, from which you can enjoy a splendid view over the wonderful Tuscan countryside and the Temple of San Biagio.
When you enter, you immediately realize that the experience is not limited to tasting: under the glass floor of the Enoliteca, you can see the remains of archaeological excavations of the Etruscan age, which recalls the long history of Montepulciano (and that of the wine of this territory , which apparently was also well known by our ancestors). You sit at the tables together with the other participants, quite a large group including tourists and visitors, both Italian and foreign, wine lovers or just curious.
To meet the needs of everyone, the explanations of “Wednesday with Nobile” are first in Italian and then in English: two producers members of the Consortium of Vino Nobile present three wines each, explaining their characteristics and telling the story of the respective companies. Then it comes time for the proper wine tasting, combined with some typical local dishes (for example ribollita – a typical Tuscan soup made of bread and vegetables, cured meats, or cheeses) prepared by local restaurant owners or producers.
“WINE-AND-FOOD IS OUR BEST CALLING CARD”
As explained by Ms. Ludovica, who organizes the event on behalf of the Strada del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano e dei Sapori della Valdichiana Senese: “Discovering a territory through the combination of wine and typical products, is definitely the best way to learn about its culture, traditions, and history. An environment like this, does nothing but give an added value to such AN experience!”.
The appreciation of the guests seems to confirm the words of Ludovica: there are not only wine tourists, but also simple visitors, interested in learning more about the characteristics of Vino Nobile, the stories of local producers, the anecdotes about the centuries of history of how Montepulciano and its vineyards have crossed.
As told by Mrs. Daiana, employee of the Enoliteca, “This is an event that we have organized since 2003, first in the old structure at Palazzo del Capitano, and now in this new location, featuring a charming archaeological site and panoramic views over the Valdichiana Senese. It is an excellent way to tell the Vino Nobile in a very relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. ”
“WEDNESDAY WITH NOBILE” WILL GO ON UNTIL JULY 25
Each meeting will feature the presentation of wines by two local producers, combined with the best food products of the territory, presented by the proper manufacturers, who can tell their stories and philosophies better than anybody else.