I think the two most joyous moments of a winemakers year, are the first taste from the barrel, when she or he knows the vintage is just right, and then as they behold their wine being enjoyed by people like you and me. On this night the winemakers of Cantina Roccafiore would have been very very joyous.
The Wine: Roccafiore Grechetto di Todi 'Fiorfiore' from Umbria
The Food: A Sea and Farm to Table Feast
The Place: Our Backyard by Candlelight
You know we are big fans of Italian white wines, tasted many. This bottle that we received from the vineyard immediately rose to the top of our list of all time favorites.
Grechetto is a grape native to Umbria, it is low yielding and can be harvested late, producing rich deep flavors. It is often blended with higher yielding grapes like Chardonnay, Malvasia or Trebiano to add depth to those wines, which is good, but alone, as a single varietal wine, Grechetto is spectacular.
Fiorfiore is cultivated on a small property set on a picturesque hillside overlooking the medieval town of Todi. Oenologist Hartmann Donà and Vineyard Caretaker Cristian Giorgion go to great efforts to ensure every bottle is perfect. They use methods rooted in loving traditions that have been passed on for many generations and modern organic farming and vinicultural techniques.
Photo The Winerist Cantina Roccafiore
Fiorfiore “reveals hints of pineapple, golden apple, small yellow flowers and sweet spices; in the mouth it is soft, fresh and mineral notes.” Winemaker.
From the first scent on the nose, the glistening golden color, and your first sip you sense incredible goodness. Wow is an appropriate word, lucious complex flavors held in perfect balance to capably complement a very flavor full meal.
We enjoyed the wine with a perfect sea and farm to table dinner all sourced from our local farmers’ market and purveyors.
Swordfish skewers with zuchinni and salsa verde, Food and Wine, with a salad of shaved honeydew, fennel, and olives, Bon Appetit, and simple spaghetti with garlic, fresh parsley and pecorino romano.
The winery, founded by Leonardo Baccarelli and operated now by him and his son Luca, is also home of a spectacular resort with world-class hotel, restaurant and spa. We visited Todi nineteen years ago on our first trip to Italy. It is a beautiful and richly historical place. I think it is about time that we return.
A Perfect Day
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
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