October 15, 2018: We are at the end of the ATWS but there is another Mugello adventure holiday to be enjoyed. It is an activity offered at the last minute from Toscana Promozione Turistica to the participants of the Adventure Travel World Summit.
There are about fifteen participants from various European and non-European countries. Also in this case they are bloggers, travel agents and journalists of important magazines that take care of the adventure travel. We hope that they can also talk about a Mugello adventure holiday in one of their next articles.
In this case Carmen the CEO of Mugello & Tuscany has thought of a combined adventure between sport and wine tasting. As per usual, T-rafting’s Sebastian’s contribution proved invaluable to the experience. The 15 guests were welcomed by Sebastian in the courtyard of the wonderful convent of Bosco ai Frati. This is a prestigious historical building that among other things boasts an extraordinary crucifix by Donatello. First stop a short trek with the inflatable backpack kayak up to Gabbianello’s naturalistic oasis and bird sanctuary.
From here, crossing of lake Bilancino to the Bahia lakefront facility. The Bahia bathing complex is a real meeting point for the young people of the Mugello Valley. In the summer lots of events are organized here including lavish aperitifs and dancing. Dinner by the lake at sunset is particularly appreciated. Today, of course, there is nothing because the Bahia closes in mid-September. The kayaks were deflated and put in the trunk of the bus that accompanied the group.
It’s time to leave for a delicious trek that will touch some of the most beautiful spots in Mugello. First we meet the beautiful Romanesque church of San Giovanni in Petroio dating back to the beginning of the eleventh century. From here you can enjoy a mind-boggling view of lake Bilancino and beyond to the Futa pass. Continuing walking, the road remains very scenic with wonderful views of the valley below. In particular, we note the superb rise of the San Martino Fortress in San Piero a Sieve, which is being restored.
Finally we arrive at the Medici castle of Trebbio since 2013 UNESCO world heritage. Just in proximity of the Castle the path joins with that of the Via degli Dei. The Via degli Dei is becoming a very popular trekking and MTB route between Bologna and Florence. Another couple of kilometers and we arrive at the last stop of our Mugello adventure holiday
In fact, the end of the adventure is the Canneto III winery. It is a small winery that has had the courage to undertake an original production path. In fact, the owners of the Canneto 3rd in addition to a traditional red wine from Sangiovese, ciliegino and canaiolo vines have also introduced a Nero and a Blend.
Spugnole black (nero) is a merlot in purity with a deep red color and violet reflections. The nose detects a strong bouquet of ripe forest fruits. In the mouth it reveals great personality. The taste is superb and elegant, with spicy notes of black currant and blackberry. The blend between Merlot and Sangiovese is part of the lucky furrow of the Super Tuscans. The super tuscans are red wines produced in Tuscany without following the classic rules. These rules mainly concern the use of other types of grapes (such as cabernet sauvignon and merlot) instead of the typical Sangiovese.
Now we do not want to make the “Blend of Spugnole” the epitome of Super Tuscan but there are good chances that it will come near it. Naturally, the writer appears right at the beginning of the wine tasting held in the beautiful Canneto 3rd cellar. Nicola Zanieri accompanies the tasting by offering Tuscan snacks. We are late in the afternoon and the valley below is stll teeming with the life of the fields.
After the grape harvest there will also be a particularly abundant and healthy olive harvest this year. Everything points to an excellent vintage for both wine and oil. Our guests seem to have also appreciated this kind of mixed of adventure. After all, there is no need to drive. The comfortable bus of the Greco car rental in Scarperia is already there after an intense Mugello adventure holiday. Next and final stop Montecatini for dinner.