Between architecture, landscapes and vineyards, you can taste the area’s excellent products directly from the producers.
Travelling the roads of Tuscany means skirting hectares of beautiful vineyards, which immediately bring to mind the excellent wines famous throughout the world, which age in typical caves and cellars full of barrels, waiting to be tasted. The Maremma is home to numerous establishments that offer tours and tastings for wine lovers, some of which stand out for their particular beauty and importance.
In coastal Maremma, a vast and beautiful estate surrounds the cantina Le Mortelle, an elegant structure partially built into the hillside. Here you can literally descend into the production processes that transform the grapes into excellent wine: it is possible to visit the three levels that make up the cellar, dedicated to the various phases of processing, which is done strictly by gravity, a sustainable method that is waiting to be discovered.
Rocca di Frassinello, then, is a designer winery signed by an important name. Renzo Piano has designed the structure, setting it in a landscape dominated by the colours of the vineyards, which can be enjoyed to the full from the small hill on which it stands; it is the ideal destination for lovers of good wine and lovers of architecture, while a small hall-museum inside will be a nice surprise for lovers of ancient history.
To go back in time a little, head for the cantina Rocca di Montemassi, which is reminiscent of the manor houses of the past. The history of the building is indeed to be found in the past, but the most unusual thing is that Recioto di Gambellara DOCG, a sweet wine with ancient origins, is still produced here, and is served with Tuscan specialities.
Another must-see winery is the Cantina Petra, whose modern appearance designed by Mario Botta blends perfectly into the surrounding landscape. It lies almost entirely within the hillside and is surrounded by hectares and hectares of splendid estate, which can be enjoyed with a visit and perhaps a fine meal to accompany the best wines.
