On Thu, 11 Aug 2011 07:23:07 -0700 (PDT), NilsGLindgren
> wrote:

>Hello,
>Lo these many moons. Long time no see-um. A few years ago my ISP decided I did not need connection to the User Groups, and discontinued the service. Some attempts at using other means proved fruitless, then other things took over. Nevertheless, I'm back - a short roll call shows the presence of the usual suspects still posting ... During my absence I have passed a few exams in the Swedish tasting group "Munskänkarna" (The Tastevins in Frenglish) and am a sometime lecturer there. I continue to be predominantly Franco/Italophile but have developed a love for NZ and Hunter Valley Semillon.
>Enough sentimental waffling already.
>---
>Me and my wife (Xina to the old guys) are planning a trip to Tuscany and Chianti Classico. We do believe we see a move back to the native grapes of Tuscany (even though wines made with 100% Sangiovese are, formally, IIRC, not allowed under the DOCG), and hopefully, more sustainable practices. Unfortunately, too often we here "respect for the traditions and for the land" repeated as a mantra while one is trying to hide the reverse osmosis kit and the industry sized packages of tartric acid ...
>Where do we go? Whom do we visit? WE are not adverse to conversing in broken Italian.
>
>Cheers
>
>Nils

Many years ago...way too many...I had a grand experience in the
region. Staying in Florence and went for a grand lunch at a Michelin
one-star in a nearby village. Tiny tables in a small place,
shoulder-to-shoulder. Struggling with the menu a gracious older woman
translated for me then struck up a conversation. She was Tuscan but
had been schooled in New York and was eager to practice her English.

Long story short, she invited us to visit her home the next day and
gave our driver directions.

The "home" was a magnificent property called Villa Belvedere. Probably
two hundred acres of vineyards and olive trees. The house had been
used by the occupying Nazi's in WW II as the general's Hq. The family
now produced Chianti Classico under the Villa Belvedere label. We
tasted wines, enjoyed the visit and took several bottles home.

A recent search revealed that now the property is a bed-and-breakfast.
My point is to roam the area and be open to experiences. Many
incredible things happen in life that way.