XTREME TUSCANY

Xtreme Tuscany is a 6-day wine-intensive tour for dedicated wine enthusiasts. It hones in on Brunello di Montalcino and Super Tuscans, delving into some of Tuscany’s most famous cult wines, pioneers, iconoclasts, and historic names. Find out why Brunello reins supreme, what makes Super Tuscans so super, and why Sassicaia inspires such awe 

Highlights:

• Private wine tastings at Tenuta San Guido (Sassicaia), Ornellaia, Biondi Santi, Casanova di Neri & more

• The medieval towns of Montalcino and Castagneto Carducci

• Lunch at a 1-star Michelin restaurant

• Gourmet wine dinners, with regional food & wine pairings

Day 1 – Meet the Maremma

After a pick-up in Pisa, shuttle down the coast to the Maremma. Our first stop is Castello del Terriccio, founded by a thoroughbred horse breeder, for an intro to Super Tuscan wines. Next is Petra, an architecturally stunning winery designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta. Finally, we visit Michele Satta in Bolgheri, a mid-sized, family-owned winery that has gained a loyal following. After settling into our countryside hotel, we’ll head to dinner in Castagneto Carducci, a medieval town tucked in the Apennine hills. D

Day 2 – Bolgheri & Super Tuscan Stars

Today focuses on Bolgheri, the area that first put Super Tuscans on the map. We’ll travel down a cypress-lined road to Tenuta San Guido and hear the history of Sassicaia, the first Super Tuscan. After lunch, we’ll visit another two prestigious estates, Ornellaia and Le Macchiole, both among the first to put down stakes in the Maremma. The wines of these pioneers are now objects of veneration among wine lovers. Dinner focuses on the region’s woodland cuisine, with dishes like wild boar (cinghiale) and polenta. B, D

Day 3 –Brunello Up Close

Today spotlights Brunello di Montalcino. Our first stop is Banfi, a mega-sized, American-owned winery that helped put Brunello on the map. Then it’s on to Poggio Antico for lunch at the winery’s 1-star Michelin restaurant. During our afternoon tasting, you’ll meet a true artisan: Alessandro Mori, owner of Il Marroneto. He’ll offer insights into the art and craft of making Brunello, with barrel samples to illustrate. Dinner is on your own in Montalcino, where you’ll find such Tuscan fare as rustic bread salad (panzanella) and guinea fowl in wine sauce. B, L

Day 4 – Brunello’s Living Legends

At Casato Prime Donne, you’ll hear about Montalcino’s history and legends, as well as its founder, Donatella Cinelli Colombini, a powerhouse among female winery owners. Other than consulting enologist Carlo Ferrini, she hires only women in the cellar and vineyard. Following lunch, we encounter some living history at Biondi Santi, whose ancestor is credited with isolating the Brunello clone. The family went on to transform rustic sangiovese into a long-lived powerhouse that gave Bordeaux a run for its money. Our third winery visit is Mastrojanni, where we’ll taste out of the barrel. B, D

Day 5 – Art & Wine

Art lovers will remember Sandro Chia as part of the Neoexpressionist movement of the 1980s. Chia has also thrown himself into the art of wine, purchasing an ancient fortress, Castello Romitorio, and turning it into a winery. His Brunellos and Maremma-area wines are as impressive as the winery is unique. Our afternoon tasting is at Casanova di Neri, whose single-vineyard Tenuta Nuova Brunello was Wine Spectator’s No. 1 of its Top 100 wines of 2007. You’ll see a brand-new, state-of-the-art cellar and taste several cru. During our farewell dinner, we’ll toast new friends and new finds for the wine cellar. B, D

 Day 6 - Arrivederci!

A shuttle to Florence by noon and assistance with your travel plans. B

For more details, see website.