Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy (c) Likeitiz

There’s nothing like being “Under the Tuscan Sun,” as the book goes. Well, I have to say that the Tuscan sun was beating down on us for the first three days of our trip. Think of highs in the 104 degrees and lows only in the 80’s. One can certainly understand the need for the long lunches, the siestas mid-afternoon, the late dinners when the temperature dips below 100 degrees F finally.

The Terrace at Villa Campestri (c) Likeitiz

On our first night, we dined at dusk in Villa Campestri, an olive plantation up the hills near Bagno a Ripoli, complete with large copper urns that each had their own spout to discharge the thick clear golden liquid as requested.

We decided to go all out and order the chef’s tasting menu of eight “proposals.” These were various dishes taken from the varied offerings in the different themed pages.

Villa Campestri Degustation (c) Likeitiz

The recommended wine was from the Chianti region, a Chianti Classico by Isole e Olena 2008. It was a medium-bodied red, composed of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo, and 5% Syrah.  Boy, was it smooth and easy on the palate. It was an excellent choice too for the variety the chef had prepared for us. We were so taken by the wine, we tried to find it in the little enotecas we passed during our daytime explorations of the various towns.

All in all, it was a most enjoyable evening with great wine, delicious food, an idyllic setting, and wonderful company.