Waiting for autumn in Torre a Cona

The taste of Tuscany in taverns, wine and vermouth

Travelling along the ancient road that winds its way from Florence to Rignano sull'Arno, among hills dotted with cypress trees and rows of vines now golden with autumn, Torre a Cona appears like a timeless jewel, a splendid 18th-century villa that dominates the Tuscan countryside with discreet elegance. Here, on the Rossi di Montelera estate, 200 hectares of vineyards, olive groves and centuries-old woods are transformed into a mosaic of colours and scents that reach their peak intensity at this time of year. But Torre a Cona is not only a place of extraordinary beauty: it is also the cradle of a winemaking tradition that today boasts wines of unique character, including Molino degli Innocenti, which was awarded the “red wine of the year” prize by Gambero Rosso's Vini d'Italia guide. The historic cellars, with roots stretching back over five centuries, house oak barrels where Chianti Colli Fiorentini, Sangiovese crus and precious Vin Santo slowly mature, enriching themselves with complexity. Visiting these ancient rooms, walking through the vinsantaia and ending with a guided tasting means immersing yourself in a sensory dimension that combines the power of nature with the artisan care of those who, every year, renew the magic of the harvest.

If wine tells the story of a deep connection with the land, Vermouth Torre a Cona reveals a fascinating chapter of family history and savoir-faire. Created from an ancient recipe book belonging to the Rossi di Montelera family and reinterpreted in 2022 with the advice of oenologist Piero Cane, it is the result of a selection of 33 botanicals that intertwine with the estate's Sangiovese, chosen as the aromatic base. The result is an elegant and versatile vermouth, capable of offering complex aromatic nuances whether enjoyed neat, at room temperature, on the rocks or as the star ingredient in iconic cocktails such as Negroni, Americano and Manhattan. A sip of this amber-coloured liquid seems to encapsulate the slow rhythm of autumn, the warmth of herbs and the freshness of wine.

Guests are welcomed inside the ancient lemon house by Osteria Torre a Cona, run by chef Enrico Romualdi. The cuisine celebrates the authentic flavours of Tuscany, respecting seasonality and promoting local ingredients. Autumn brings intense and enveloping dishes to the table: risottos with artichokes and toasted pine nuts, maccheroncini with white duck ragù, double-cooked guinea fowl with sweet and sour vegetables, not to mention the queen of Tuscan tables, the Florentine steak, selected weekly from the best Chianina, Maremmana and Calvanina meats. There is no shortage of vegetarian dishes that pay homage to peasant cuisine, nor fish dishes linked to the catch of the day. Each creation strikes the right balance between clarity of flavour and lightness, for a gastronomic experience that expresses roots and creativity with natural harmony.

When the weather permits, the stone terrace, framed by wisteria and centuries-old trees, becomes a privileged stage: dishes are enjoyed accompanied by the cool breeze and warm colours that only autumn can offer.

At Torre a Cona, autumn is an invitation to slow down, an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rhythms of the Tuscan countryside, between glasses of wine and dishes that speak of the territory. An experience that welcomes, excites and remains in the heart.

Torre a Cona Tuscan Wine Estate
Via Torre a Cona, 49 (Rignano sull’Arno, Florence, Italy)
ph. +39 055 699000
info@torreacona.com
www.torreacona.com