The Flavors of Tuscany Food and Wine Tour: Day Two - Montalcino Wine Estate and Vincenzo's Birthday

John poses in one of the alleyways in Montalcino.

We are waiting for the Friars at the Abbey of Saint Antimo to perform their daily chant, and have time to wander the streets and grab an espresso.

Here is the Abbey from a distance.

The fields again are incredibly beautiful and "talk to you" about ancient farming practices and how orderly and non-intrusive this is to the environment. The images are spectacular from the rich earth tones, to the orderly rows, blended in groves and solitary cypress that seem to be planted in the perfect locale every time.

Here is the monastery from the outside.

And the inside. Beautiful!

A very nicely restored fresco with a statue of the Madonna and Child.

This was an alter underneath the main altar.

Here is a local cat enjoying a taste of Holy Water.

We arrive at Montalcono Cupano. Lionel is the owner and he introduces us to his property and his passion.

Here is the Italian security system.

Out to the vineyards we go.

These grapes are growing in soil loaded with rocks of various sizes, that are relatively flat but pervasive. Certain grape varieties thrive on these rocks retaining moisture when it rains, but also capturing and then giving off heat. In effect, they help shape the climate, and Lionel is very well attuned to the difference growing conditions that his property provides and how the grapes perform because of these differences.

Lionel explains his growing and pruning schedule, and has 3 hectares producing grapes which are grown 100% organically.

The lemon citrus is fun to find on his property. These are potted lemons moved indoors in the winter.

This is a variant of bread pudding and a delicious accompaniment for the wine tasting.

Chestnut season has just begun.

Here is out master server and driver, Antonio, in action.

Local cheeses, meats, proscuitto and bread are amply served as a nice afternoon lunch alongside the very tasty Cupano wines.

Look at the beautiful goat (or maybe sheep?) cheese before it is sliced.

Tom gets into the task of slicing the bread.

Rose Marie and Jean enjoy one of the wines that are sampled this afternoon.

The crew lounging in the sun and enjoying an award-winning wine...what could be better?

Yes, it is a bit rustic. We wouldn't want it any other way.

Into where the magic is made. The grapes are currently in steel vats being broken down for the juices that will be used in the wine-making process.

By the descriptions given, there is a fair amount of science, art and luck rolled into one big process that produces an exceptional wine.

Here the grape hulls are being washed in a methodical manner. In the earliest stages of the vats being loaded with grapes, the smells are so powerful that you need to keep your distance. People have been so overcome by the aroma before the grapes have completely broken down, that they have passed out and fallen into the vats (and drowned).

http://www.cupano.it/

"Olives are planted for your children!"

This is how our perfect afternoon ended, with a gentle rain and a double rainbow.

After a perfect day, it is onto a perfect evening meal. Guide Antonio is now Chef Antonio, and we are going to grill local sausage outdoors on an open fire.