During the holiday season, the Piccini family celebrates a long tradition at Valiano, their estate in Chianti Classico. Every year, the family gathers for a walk through the vineyards, followed by a relaxing time in front of the fireplace, with games and tastings of the new wines. Special memories include a Christmas when, without music, they improvised a party that combined music, games and a love of wine. The star wines of the holidays include “6.38 Gran Selezione,” “Contessa di Radda,” and “Poggio Teo,” while Christmas gifts are represented by fine bottles such as “Brunello di Montalcino Piccini.” The table is elegantly set, enriched by typical Tuscan dishes and traditional desserts, such as ricciarelli and panettone, complemented by Piccini’s vin santo.
A family ritual related to the Christmas holidays.:
Every Christmas there is a long tradition that we are very attached to. The whole family gathers at Valiano, our estate in the Chianti Classico , where the party lights up between a smile and a glass of wine. Unmissable is the customary walk between the vineyards surrounding the manor house. Immersed in nature, breathing in the breeze that filters through the rows of vines, caressing the gentle hillsides with our eyes. The outing concludes on one of the hills overlooking Valiano, from which our delicious “Poggio Teo“, a cru of unparalleled elegance that faithfully interprets the peculiarities of this slice of land. As early darkness begins to tint the sky, we return to the estate to enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The crackling of the fire in the large fireplace accompanies laughter and the inevitable raffle with all the relatives. The evening is crowned by the customary tasting of the new vintages from the vintage of the year o current.
A memory of a very special Christmas:
Every Christmas brings with it a magic andd a special atmosphere, intangible yet vivid, but if I had to point to one I would choose December 25 a few years ago. That time, after the usual walk through the vineyards, we gathered under the tree, ready for another of our favorite rituals: dancing to the rhythm of theChristmas songs. The CD player, however, wouldn’t start; so, in order not to disappoint the audience, I improvised as a conductor and sang a few songs. Meanwhile, the boys were playing an endless game of Monopoly, ignited by the usual contest for possession of the flask-shaped token. Lin the evening, finally, we gathered in front of the TV. It was being aired one of our favorite films, “A good year“, a film that each time reminds us of the immense love for our work and the genuine bond that connects us to the earth. A Christmas to be framed.
What wines do you drink during the Holidays (Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve).:
Our Christmas celebrations are accompanied by the wines that tell the story of the excellence of our hills. A classic that can never be missed is “6.38 Gran Selezione,” a refined interpretation of Chianti Classico that conquers the palate with its aromatic concert of fruits and spices, leveled by a delicious savory note and surprising freshness. Another label always present on our table is the superb “Contessa di Radda Chianti Classico,” a prestigious expression of the hills of Radda and Gaiole. Finally, no family Christmas is complete without “Poggio Teo,” a delicate poem dedicated to Sangiovese and the cru that towers among the vineyards of Valiano.
Which ones you take to friends’ homes:
A vino indispensable is our best-selling “Chianti Riserva Gold Collection.” Its eclectic and versatile geometries make it the ideal companion for dinner parties. On the other hand, if you want to impress your guests with a more solemn taste, uncork a bottle of ” Scalunera Etna Rosso”, a refined wine that does not forget the stubborn and volcanic spirit of Etna. For lovers of white, I would have no doubts: “Vermentino Maremma Toscana,” a fresh and brilliant interpretation of the Maremma moors, capable of lighting up the evening with its spirited notes.
What wines do you put under the tree to give as gifts?
Under the holidays, a magnum of “Brunello of Montalcino Piccini” is a precious gift that will make the joys of any winelover. Sumptuous and solar, our Brunello exhibits a magnificent intensity, supported by a‘elegant tannic texture. Another must-have gift for wine lovers is “Contessa di Radda Chianti Classico Riserva”, a jewel of harmony That melts, on the palate, into a tender embrace of grace and complexity
How do you set the table?
Under the holidays, the Valiano estate is lit up with candles and garlands. The large hall hosts the long table filled Of floral decorations and ornaments that kindle the Christmas spirit. The guest of honor is clearly wine, honored and revered since the mise en place with the choice of goblets best suited to savor the nuances of the bottles on the table.
What is the dish that is never missing for your holiday celebrations?
Our love of tradition is also reflected in the kitchen. Old-fashioned smells and flavors abound on the table: meat broth, jellied chicken, lamb with potatoes and vegetables, accompanied by Russian salad and vegetable flans. There is no shortage of typical Tuscan pastries, such as ricciarelli and cantucci, soaked in our vin santo Piccini. Closing the dinner is the not-to-be-missed slice of panettone.