All About Wine

Only a short bus ride from Florence you can find yourself in the village of Mercatale Val di Pesa in the heart of Tuscany’s famous Chiante Classico wine region. Less than a kilometre from the village is the wine estate “Castello di Gabbiano”. Early records indicate that the construction of the defence tower and wine cellar of the castle began in 1100AD.
Castello di Gabbiano is one of the few vineyard properties that has continually operated as a working winery. This beautiful castle and vineyard is one of the Fosters Wine Estates. It was originally purchased by the American Wine Company “Beringer” and as part of the merging of the two companies this fabulous property is now in Fosters hands. Every year an Australian Winemaker has worked the Italian Vintage with the winemaker Giacarlo Roman at Castello di Gabbiano, so needless to say the wine is going from good to great. They have two Super Tuscan wines and as the Americans knew about Costello di Gabbiano first, a large percentage of the wine is being exported to America. However, you’ll have no trouble finding the Chianti and Chianti Classico at ‘First Choice’, ‘Vintage Cellars’ and ‘Dan Murphy’s’.
Costello di Gabbiano is a complete package. Recently refurbished the castle has 12 enchanting suits each with it’s own individual character. Most of the suites include a sitting area, bedroom and bathroom. Breakfast is served each morning in the castle and in the summer months on the Terrace. The gardens, outdoor barbeque and pool are used for special lunches and guests activities. As well as the castle there are stand alone accommodation buildings. “Podere Casenove”, is the name of the 16th Century farmhouses that have been converted into charming guest apartments.
Many wine savvy visitors have already enjoyed the apartments and now as the castle is open and available there are plenty of reasons to visit Castello di Gabbiano. Wine, Cheese & Olive Oil tastings are held by appointment in the Cellar Door Store in the grounds of the castle. The cooking classes are held in the Restaurant “Il Cavaliere”, morning and afternoons from Wednesday to Sunday. The classes run for 2-3 hours and you have time to go back to your room to freshen up before returning to the restaurant to enjoy the Lunch or Dinner you have prepared. The Parmesan basket and Tuscan bean soup were my greatest triumphs. All of the menus are matched with one of the five Castello di Gabbiano wines, which is provided for you to enjoy with your own creation.
There are walks around the Vineyard & Olive Grove, games of Bocce on the Terrace, reading rooms and an indoor courtyard within the Castle for relaxation options. Bush bike riding routes surround the Castle with horseback riding and golf close by. It’s a perfect starting point to explore Tuscany from Florence to Sienna.
Castello di Gabbiano “Alleanza” is one of the Super Tuscan wines made with the inclusion of Merlot grapes. The percentage of Merlot is dependant on the vintage. The “Bellezza” is generally all Sangiovese. A Pinot Grigio and Sangiovese Rose is also available with the ever popular Chianti DOCG, Chianti Classico and the Riserva. Organise a bottle of Chianti and sit back, sip the wine and plan your visit to Castello di Gabbiano, or just dream about it. www.gabbiano.com
One of our Australian winemakers, Kevin McCarthy, from T’Gallant Wines on the Mornington Peninsular, worked the vintage at Castello di Gabbiano, he will be the guest speaker at a lunch featuring these fabulous Tuscan Wines at the Gallery of Modern Art Restaurant on Tuesday 23rd September.
Call Paula or Gabby on 0412 158 425 / 3870 2555 if you would like to attend the Lunch.