Forts, flavours and a good soak

Followers of this blog will understand our need for a little lay in this morning after an evening of wine tasting.  The various iterations of Sangiovese we tasted show the incredible breadth of the Tuscan wineries, from simple Rosso and Chianti, to the delicious Brunello’s and Nobilo’s, and a sensational Reserve.  The rules are so complex about what you can, and can’t call wines in the region that half the time I have no idea what I’m tasting.  That was fine with me, people who can explain in depth about each wine and region generally don’t make good dinner companions. 

By the time I sat down to my steak dinner I was in desperate need of a change, so Syrah was the order of the evening, every bit as impressive as the earlier flavours.

Despite the slow start, today was anything but wasted as we jumped back in the car (thankfully without so many near misses on the road this time, however I would prefer a navigator who knows left from right and who doesn’t call out turns just as we pass them) and toured the southern Tuscany regions.  Incredible countrysides and a glorious vista over every hill.  Some awesome towns too - Montalcino, Castiglione d’Orcia, Monticchiello and San Quirico d’Orcia where we lunched.  We drove right on past Pienza which looked awesome, but had so many tourists it was impossible to get a park. 

Monticchiello

Lunch in San Quirico d’Orcia.  Dan wondering if she can pay someone to murder her lunch companion who was still prattling on about Tuscan Wines

Cappuccino with a view  

Pienza, home to the Italian Space Mission (fact check needed)

An Church

There followed a wonderful evening in Bagno Vignoni for a dinner, and a long evening soak in the outdoor thermal spa (and no dear sister, you will ne be getting a niece, that particular shark is well and truly jumped).  The perfect way to end our visit to Val d’Orcia!

Love to all back in Melbourne. Stay safe, stay well