Latest news with #Chianti
Daily Mail
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Our wine expert reveals the best Italian wines to sip this summer, from £8
This week I'm spotlighting wines that capture the charm of Italy as summer hits full flow. We'll begin in the ever-exciting region of Soave, with a crisp white: a gorgeous substitute for Chablis (which you can never get for under £10). Next up: a modern red made from the distinctive Refosco grape, full of vibrancy. Finally a trip to Tuscany and Umbria for a classic Chianti and an expressive rosé that breaks the mould. m.
New Statesman
3 days ago
- Science
- New Statesman
'Minerality' is a wine industry myth
Fifty-one years ago, I bought a bottle of Chianti. I was a nursing assistant, living in nurses' accommodation. Wages went on food, drink and books; I taught myself to cook. When the communal pans were laid aside, I opened the straw-swaddled bottle, poured the pale red wine and marvelled: every drop was sucked from Tuscan soils. It seemed incredible: we were sitting here, drinking Tuscany. Literally. Near Norwich. Gulp! This astonishment expanded. Wine (I read) possessed a thing called terroir. That meant that its sensory character was predicated on the physical milieu in which its vines grew. Those who wrote about terroir usually used it as a synonym for soil and bedrock. Wine culture has gone global in the past half-century. A critical industry now feasts on wine, like an algal bloom on a great lake. Wine websites encourage you to purchase hundreds of thousands of tasting notes – for wines you can't find, can't afford, haven't got room for and will never drink. Read them to lust and crave, and the word 'minerality' will cascade about you. According to the master of wine Justin Martindale, whose research paper examined the use of the term in more than 20,000 tasting notes written between 1976 and 2019, it was the most widely used descriptor for white wines (appearing in 19.2 per cent of the notes surveyed) and the sixth most used descriptor associated with reds. Is wine mineral soup? The emeritus Earth sciences professor Alex Maltman of Aberystwyth University has been challenging this idea for a decade (most recently in Taste the Limestone, Smell the Slate, published by Academie du Vin Library). Vines, he points out, 'are made not from the soil but from oxygen, hydrogen and carbon derived from water and the air, everything being driven by sunlight'. These light-and-air plants can do nothing at all with rock minerals, which in any case have no aroma or flavour. Vines do metabolise nutrient minerals, mostly from humus – the organic component of soil – but they don't pass directly into grape juice. Fermentation, moreover, is a transformative process: some elements are removed during it; others are added. Far from being 'mineral-laden', Maltman says, 'the actual nutrient mineral concentrations in wine are minuscule'. If you want to drink minerals, buy French Vichy Célestins or Spanish Vichy Catalan, whose dissolved bicarbonate, sodium, chloride, potassium and sulphide are the result of long residence times in subterranean aquifers. So why the constant assertions of 'minerality'? Most tasting notes are a wild metaphorical fling. Wine doesn't contain blackcurrants, cherries and vanilla, though its complex chemistry may include substances that might suggest these ingredients. Anyone who farms, gardens or hikes will know that stones and earth have an aromatic personality, especially when worked or rained on – though Maltman points out that what our noses are reacting to is organic matter on those stones or in that earth, not minerals. 'Minerality' might be a metaphor for this embrace. It might also be a way of describing those flavours in wine that don't evoke fruit itself, or the processes wine undergoes (a creaminess from lees contact, for example, or vanillin from oak). Levels of salt (sodium chloride or halite) vary in wine and are likely to come from external sources (island winds, or repeatedly irrigated land). 'Minerality' is often linked to a wine's acid profile, especially when this seems (another metaphor) to have a crystalline edge. Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe Most of the time, though, it's just cap-doffing and knee-bending: something writers say about wines they want to admire. I wasn't, in fact, drinking Tuscany; I was drinking something that had happened in Tuscany. Terroir isn't soil or rock, but place – and what happens there. [See also: How to do it like a movie star] Related
Business Insider
4 days ago
- Business Insider
I went on a weeklong trip to Italy. Here are the 4 best things I did and the 2 I'd skip next time.
This spring, I spent a week traveling through Italy. One of my favorite parts of the trip was a DIY food tour through Bologna. Next time, I'd skip the crowds in Pisa and visit smaller cities like Lucca or Siena instead. From its picturesque coastline to its mouthwatering cuisine and rich history, Italy has so much to offer. That's why, after moving to the UK in 2021 and visiting over 20 European countries, I've continued to return to Italy. This year, my husband and I spent a week traveling through Tuscany and the surrounding regions in search of culinary experiences and a countryside escape. Here are the four best things I did during my trip and the two I'd skip next time. Hands down, one of the best things I did was organize a DIY food tour in Bologna. In addition to being the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna is often called the food capital of Italy, thanks to its history as the birthplace of iconic Italian dishes like ragù and mortadella. So, it only felt right to explore the city through the lens of food. However, the more food tours I researched, the more I was drawn to craft my own. I liked that a DIY food tour was more affordable and it allowed us to personalize our culinary pursuits. We began the day at Paolo Atti & Figli to sample their torta di riso (rice cake), then enjoyed mortadella sandwiches at Crock, tagliatelle antica ricetta (a delicious pasta dish) at Ragū, and gelato at Cremeria Santo Stefano. Later, we ended the day with tortellini at Sfoglia Rina, departing Bologna with full stomachs and an ever-growing list of dishes to try upon our return. I loved taking a bike tour through Tuscany. The Tuscan region of Italy is known for its vineyards, rolling hills, and Chianti wine (a type of dry red). In an effort to explore the countryside, we decided to embark on a bike tour hosted by We Like Tuscany. The company offered a range of tours from beginner-friendly options to multi-day biking adventures, and I appreciated that some routes also included local food and winery stops. Not only was this immersive experience a great way to see the region and try a Chianti or two, but it also allowed us to venture off the beaten path — and fit in a workout. I'm glad I included time in our schedule to wander. It's so easy to overplan for a vacation, but in my experience, including time to wander is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Travel, of course, rarely goes to plan, and leaving some extra time in the itinerary has not only helped reduce fatigue, pressure, and stress, but it's often led to unique discoveries. Some of the best, most memorable moments from this trip were also the most unexpected. In Florence, we enjoyed a last-minute meal at Mirò Ristorante Pizzeria (which was recommended by a local) and watched a sunset performance on the Ponte Santa Trinita. Including time to wander and explore gave us a chance to truly soak in the atmosphere and feel more connected Italy and its people. I'm happy we visited more remote locations in addition to bigger cities. I enjoy visiting different regions in a country because they often exhibit distinct cultural characteristics and offer different activities. In our experience, our time in cities was more fast-paced and centered on specific attractions and events, while our time in remote areas was restful and focused on leisure and nature. By visiting both types of locations, we avoided having our vacation feel monotonous and gained a multifaceted perspective of Italy. Next time, however, I'd skip the crowds in Pisa. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is often included on the short list of the country's must-see destinations, and although it's a sight to behold, I think the city itself has become a tourist magnet. Since it was my first time visiting Pisa, we spent an afternoon seeing the tower and the surrounding museums, and wandering through the city. However, next time, I'd skip Pisa altogether and revisit smaller cities like Siena. There, we climbed a 14th century tower called the Torre del Mangia and relaxed in the Piazza del Campo. I'd also recommend visiting Lucca, where we walked around the city walls and enjoyed one of the best meals on our trip: ravioli at In Pasta - Cibo e Convivio. I don't think sightseeing indoors in Cinque Terre is enough to capture the full experience. When visiting a destination like Cinque Terre, which boasts striking natural landscapes and picturesque beauty, I say skip the indoor activities altogether. Attractions like museums and historical monuments are plentiful throughout Italy, but Cinque Terre's hiking trails, cliffside walks, and pebbly beaches are what make these five towns so special, in my opinion. By prioritizing activities that align with the unique aspects of the destination, I think you'll gain a greater appreciation for the place and have a more authentic experience.
Daily Record
13-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
Gardening Express offers £250 saving on giant 'fantastic quality' Tuscan olive tree
This plant can be placed outside in warm seasons and displayed inside in the colder months Gardeners across the country will be busy getting their outdoor spaces back in ship shape after a long winter. And with summer on the horizon, many with a green finger will be going for a seasonal theme. While Scotland may not exhibit sweltering sunshine like the Mediterranean, that doesn't mean your garden can't take inspiration from sunnier climates. And what better way to do just that than getting some new plants, with one on sale at an impressive steal. Currently on offer for £149.99, down from £399.99, this extra-large, heavy-duty Tuscan olive tree is a steal, saving shoppers an impressive £250. Ideal for planting in large pots in a sun-soaked courtyard or patio, all you need to create your own Tuscan terrace at home is a refreshing glass of Chianti. This giant Tuscan olive tree can also be planted directly into the ground in the garden and is sure to flourish in any well-drained, sunny spot. Featuring elegant, grey-green leaves that stay year-round, along with small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers followed by edible, green fruits, this olive tree is a worthwhile investment, providing an immediate and lasting impact through the seasons. Perfect for a sunny, Mediterranean-style garden, these olive trees grow slowly, boasting a lovely stem and attractive silvery leaves. If you've ever admired olive trees while on holiday, the great news is you can now enjoy your own from your garden. The olive tree blooms during the summer, yielding plenty of green edible fruit that appears in the autumn, ripening to black. Moreover, this tree will endure many years, even reaching a ripe old age of hundreds of years, reports the Mirror. Each year, these olive trees will produce more and more juicy fruit, especially if you can provide a bright sunny position, ideally sheltered from cold winter winds. If you're keen on container gardening, placing your olive tree in the conservatory during the winter months is a wise choice, or positioning it sheltered against the house where it will gain from the warmth and protection of a wall. For those considering alternatives, B&Q offers a two-pack of Olive Trees 5-6ft Tall in Pots for £94.99. Alternatively, Amazon lists a 1.1m olive tree priced at £44.90. Back to this olive tree, happy customers who have introduced an olive tree to their garden are effusive in their praise for this delightful addition. A five-star reviewer exclaims: "All first class. The tree was well wrapped and in very good condition. I have been buying plants from Gardening Express for two years now, and I can say they are simply the best." Another customer enthuses: "Wonderful tree! The size is incredible and seem to be much more expensive elsewhere. The quality of the tree and condition is also fantastic." A satisfied purchaser comments: "Really big trees delivered in great condition. Exactly as advertised. I'm a regular customer and they never let me down." Get the olive tree from Gardening Express. Homewares deal of the week It's time to give the home a spring refresh and Dunelm has launched its massive sale. Sometimes it's all about buying necessities for the home, and these Fifi Dining Chairs that have shoppers bagging multiple are now on offer for £31.50, down from £45, saving 30 percent off the RRP. Crafted with a solid wooden frame, these chairs can easily be paired with many different dining tables and decorated with comfy cushion. Designed with a modern curved backrest with a scallop feature, this chair would be a cute edition to any home. Currently available in apricot, blue and natural, there are chairs available for people who want to add a pop of colour to their home, as well as those who want to continue a minimalistic design. This durable seat is said to offer both style and comfort to its users, and is the ideal choice for family meals or entertaining guests. With dimensions of H 80cm x W 44cm x D 52cm, this chair will comfortably fit under a table without taking up too much space. Back to the Fifi Dining Chair, Dunelm shoppers have awarded the product a 4.5 star rating, with the vast majority of shoppers praising the chairs for their colour and how easy they are to assemble. One delighted shopper wrote: "I really love this chair! They are super comfy and they look great! They were very easy to assemble." With another shopper agreeing: "Lovely comfortable chairs! Waiting for them to come back into stock to order two more!"
Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Save £250 on giant Tuscan olive tree that turns patios into Mediterranean haven
Elevate your outdoor space this summer with a giant Tuscan olive tree that will add a Mediterranean flair to your patio or garden - and right now, it's £250 less This extra-large, heavy-duty Tuscan olive tree is currently available for £149.99, down from £399.99. This Gardening Express deal saves shoppers a whopping £250. It is perfect for planting in large containers in a sun-drenched courtyard or patio, and all you'll need to complete your own Tuscan terrace at home is a nice glass of Chianti. Also suitable to be planted directly into the ground in the garden, this giant Tuscan olive tree is sure to thrive in any well-drained, bright spot. Boasting elegant, grey-green leaves that remain all year, alongside tiny, fragrant, creamy-white flowers that are followed by edible, green fruits, this olive tree is an investment as it offers an immediate and impressive impact that lasts through the seasons. Excellent for a sunny, Mediterranean-style garden, these olive trees are slow-growing with a nice stem and attractive silvery leaves. If you've ever admired olive trees on your holidays, the good news is you can now admire your own from your garden. The olive tree flowers during the summer, providing ample green edible fruit that appears in the autumn, ripening to black. What's more, this tree will last many years, even growing to a ripe old age of hundreds of years old. Each year, these olive trees will produce more and more succulent fruit, especially if you can provide a bright sunny position, ideally sheltered from cold winter winds. If you're planning on growing in containers, you can place the olive tree in the conservatory through the winter months, or sheltered against the house, where it will benefit from the warmth and shelter provided by a wall. Shoppers who have added one of these gems to their outdoor space can't stop gushing about the beauty of this tree. One 5-star reviewer raves: "All first class. The tree was well wrapped and in very good condition. I have been buying plants from Gardeningexpress for two years now, and I can say they are simply the best." Another shares: " Wonderful tree! The size is incredible and seem to be much more expensive elsewhere. The quality of the tree and condition is also fantastic." And this buyer beams: "Really big trees delivered in great condition. Exactly as advertised. I'm a regular customer and they never let me down." If you fancy shopping elsewhere, check out this two-pack of Olive Trees 5-6ft Tall in Pots from B&Q for £94.99. Or, over at Amazon, you can find this 1.1m olive tree for £44.90.
