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JOURNEY INTO THE ROSTER GLASSHOUSE TO DISCOVER THE AGE OF THE WINES

We have had a wonderful experience at the Roster Glasshouse and I must tell you all about it.

It has been a fascinating journey in the age of the wine, but also a full immersion into a piece of Florentine history. The initiative was part of the Enogastronomic Biennale of Florence that was held at the Roster Glasshouse, home of the Horticultural Garden. The glasshouse is one of those beautiful structures which belongs to the more recent history, linked to the XX century. If you don’t know this place you should definitely go there!

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This building once hosted prestigious exhibitions. It born in the middle of 1800 century when the art of gardening become popular, thanks to the efforts of the Georgofili Academy, which created the  Tuscan Horticultural Company.

In 1880 in the first National Exhibition of Horticulture the architect James Roster created the Glasshouse, which in 1930 was bought by the city and used it as a public garden and restored it after the Second World War.

From here you can enter to the Parnassus Gardens where you can enjoy one of the best views of Florence, above all on June 24, when you can attend the “Fochi of St. John” the Patron Saint of the city.

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Inside this elegant structure you can taste a variety of italian and tuscan wines offered during the Biennale. Among the scheduled events we chose the “Life of Wine” to make a trip to the age of the wine through sixteen companies. There were historic vintages in an audience of italian classics. The producers have offered the most representative labels of the last year, as well as two years old.

It was fascinating: a journey to understand how the wine evolves and matures over the years. One case of 37 years old!

The Company Ruffino of Pontassieve (Fi) with “Riserva Ducale Oro” Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 1977, 1988 and 2000 as well as the Chianti Classico DOCG Selection of 2010. All the best, including the “oldest” wine still able to arouse emotion. Superlative sense of smell and tasting emotions!

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For the lovers of Brunello di Montalcino, Agostina Pieri Company. Excellent DOCG 2009, a wine that surely will be able to evoke emotions increasing over the years, with the aging in the bottle. However, among the Tuscan producer’s present we recommend the Trefiano Carmignano DOCG Riserva 2008 to everyone! Play it safe if you drink a bottle of “Vie di Romans “Isanzo Friuli DOC Chardonnay 2008! Other great vintages (2012, 2007, and 1997).

It is worthwhile to say a few words to remind everyone that Leo Codacci, a food and wine journalist in the mid-seventies, created the Biennale Enogastronomica Fiorentina to promote and enhance the excellence of the territory.

Carlotta de Ciutiis