One of my fondest memories of my trip to Italy was visiting and dining at the vineyard Il Paradiso Di Frassina. Under the care and ownership of well-known wine maker Carlo Cignozzi and Diana Grandi, this vineyard is unique in many respect.
From the first minute that you walk onto the property you are surrounded by the ambient sound of classical music. Carlo is the only winemaker in the world that is currently experimenting with using sound-waves to positively effect the growth of his vines and grapes. To that end, he had situated all weather speakers intermittently throughout the vineyard (facing the rows of vines) and plays the harmonies of Mozart, Vivaldi, Mahler, and others from 9am to 9pm. He also has invited the University of Florence to conduct a rigorus multi-year study to confirm if indeed sound-waves play a role in developing healthier vines and grapes. Their research and conclusions are due to be published this year.
Below is a video I shot of the courtyard off of the main villa. The man setting up the wine tasting table is the owner of the vineyard, Carlo Cignozzi. Watch the entire segment to experience the classical music described above.
The second unique aspect of Il Paradiso Di Frassina is the wine itself. Produced only from the best harvests, the vineyard follows an exclusive and very selective philosophy for it production and distribution of wines. To that end, they only produce a few thousand bottles a annually, starting with the year 2000.
Three wines are offered by Il Paradiso Di Frassina:
- BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO (Sold out this year)
- GEA
- DO
I was fortunate to enjoy both GEA and DO during my visit. I was particularly fond of DO as its a blend. In fact, its the only blend in the world that uses 12 grapes (6 grapes from Italy & 6 grapes from France). To follow suit with the vineyards musical theme, the use of 12 grapes coincides with classical music constructed according to the principle, enunciated by Hauer and Schönberg independently in the early 1920s, of 12-note composition. Furthermore, its named after the first note in the musical scale "Do". One may buy the wine from two distributors in the United States:
- Classic Wines, Inc. Wesport, CT. 1.203.341.9953
- Small Vineyards. Seattle, WA. 1.206.933.6767
Finally, Il Paradiso Di Frassina has opened its doors to guests. The property boasts accommodations in either an apartment for 2 or 4 people. Alternatively one can chose a "B&B" solution in one of three bedrooms with private baths provided in the main villa. This affords travelers the ability to experience further what its like to live within an Italian vineyard. Its also just a beautiful place to experience the magic of Tuscany.
My husband and I will be staying at the Villa for 3 nights April 27 and renting a car in Florence. Will it be difficult to find? Can’t wait! Tell me more good things!
You will be fine. If I recall correctly it will take over an hour or so to get there once you leave Florence. Do not do what I did and take the train from Rome to Florence only to back track all the way back to the middle of Tuscany! 🙂
Jeremi-hope things are well with you and OTO!
How funny, I was just doing a search on this winery to tell a friend about it and your site and this post came up! I completely agree this was the most memorable winery I visited in my recent trip to Tuscany–Carlo is obviously passionate about wine and music and the results of the Brunello were amazing. Cheers!!