Two Takes on Tuscan Bread

From my own traveling, I’ve learned that every place has a specific cuisine or beverage that all tourists must try at least once before leaving. In Gruyere, it’s the fondue. In Barcelona, it’s the paella. New Orleans has shrimp and grits, and, of course, you’ve never really been to New York until you’ve tried the pizza.

This commonplace holds true for the small Tuscan hill town of Montepulciano. Embodying the charm of a traditional town of Toscana, Montepulciano is known for its “big” Sangiovese-based wines and delicious, yet simple, food.

Most of Montepulciano’s traditional dishes encompass fresh, local ingredients—and this combination of locality and seasonality means really spectacular cuisine. However, as much as it’s known for its lamb stew and pasta with rabbit—and Vino Nobile wine—Montepulciano is particularly known for its bread. When searching for a great summer recipe, one dish in particular caught my eye: panzanella. A very easy dish, panzanella combines everyday ingredients—and in doing so, it gets its nickname of “leftover salad” or “bread salad.” Panzanella is mostly made of cubes of bread that are combined with ripe tomatoes, peppers, basil, onions, a touch of mint, olive oil and traditional seasonings. I could see this dish as an accompaniment to a hearty steak on the grill with a delicious glass of any of the region’s wines, especially a nice Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

My interest was also piqued by another traditional Tuscan dish called Ribollita. This dish also focuses on the Ciabatta bread of the region, but it serves as a comfort food and is soaked in bean soup and often topped with freshly squeezed olive oil. I thought it would be perfect on a cold, rainy day, perhaps complemented by a glass of Il Macchione Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a full-bodied wine that would go nicely with such a hearty soup. I’d also add some slow roasted meat to add a little more substance and flavor.

This summer, I sadly don’t have any trips planned. Therefore, I’m traveling to Montepulciano through some traditional recipes and wine in the comfort of my own home. It’s the next best thing to being there.

Wine People

Every Bottle Tells a Story

I often find myself wondering, if wines could talk who they would be?

There is nothing more enjoyable to me then scanning a wine shop alone. I find myself in my own little world similar to the film Toy Story. The bottles come to life; they talk to me. They tell me stories. They teach me the lessons. Each bottle, like a dancing orphan in Oliver! or Annie, yearns for my attention.

This morning a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano stood tall and saluted me as if I were a fifteenth-century king for whom he was trying impress. With his arm perfectly apex he greeted me. “Boun giorno, signor,” he said and bowed deeply.

At the same time his next-door neighbor, a Rosso di Montalcino, was trying to grab my attention by doing cartwheels. Like a little child wanting to be picked first, this juvenile Rosso continued to jump up and down with his hand waving at me. The Vino Nobile lashing out at the boy, “Basta child! You’re too young,” he admonished.

“Now sir,” he said to me in a solid yet graceful voice, “please come with me. I’m certainly the most perfectly fit wine for a gentleman such as yourself.” I pondered for a moment. Should I take this noble character up on his offer to taste a piece of history or ought I play with the youthful Rosso? The Rosso exclaimed in his squeaky voice, “I’m younger, more fun and can show you a good time right away.” He continued, “I’m uncomplicated. I’m fresh! I’m the fun Sangiovese!”

“But sir,” the Vino Nobile reasoned “I have been the favorite of Kings for centuries.” He lost self-control and cried out, “I have been forgotten!” I found myself feeling sorry for this legendary character. I turn to the joyful Rosso, patted him on the head and promised him that we will play another day.

I opened the statesmen-like bottle, and Signor Nobile told me of his history. With each sip he reminded me that he was once the favorite of Popes, Kings and even some American presidents like Thomas Jefferson. He told me about being immortalized in the play Bacchus and how the great Italian Poet Francesco Redi called him the “king of all wines” and “fit for nobility.” Throughout his tutorial I stare at him and find my eyes lost in his beautiful garnet red color. I cannot help to admire his aroma of violets, dark cherries, and black fruit. He’s one manly, but supple, wine.

At the end of our visitation, I let Signor Nobile know I appreciate his history and will do my best to remind others of his once forgotten greatness. We embraced each other with a traditional kiss on each cheek and a final Salute. As he turned away to the beaten Tuscan path and faded away into the hills, I was left with a smile on my face. With every bottle I taste I go on a journey; every bottle tells a story. Wine is more than a drink. It is a history lesson, a science, art, imagination and a beautiful story; it’s a person.