“Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi”

“Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi” - a cherished Italian saying that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Easter, especially on the idyllic Isola del Giglio. Nestled in the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Isola del Giglio is a haven of tranquility and natural beauty, renowned for its rugged coastline, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque villages.

As Easter dawns on this enchanting island, I gathered with friends to celebrate amidst the breathtaking landscape, where rolling hills dotted with vineyards cascade down to meet the sparkling sea. We have been staying in a beautiful house in the coast, reachable just through a short walking route in the wood, or by sea. The spirit of La Dolce Vita truly comes alive, as laughter mingles with the scent of homemade delicacies, and glasses are raised in joyful celebration. But let's focus again on the main part of interest: the lovely eno-gastronomic experiences we had both homemade both touring in the village of the Castello.

Three highlights:

1. Changes by Sopravvento: This macerated white wine, crafted from Erbaluce di Caluso grapes, added a delightful dimension to the meal. Sopravvento, located in Carema, in the Piedmont region, is known for its dedication to organic winemaking practices. Their wines reflect the unique terroir of the region, with Changes embodying the essence of freshness and vitality.

2. Magnum reserve Champagne by Champagne Bochet Lemoine: A divine interlude in the midst of the festivities, this magnum reserve Champagne elevated the occasion to new heights. Champagne Bochet Lemoine, situated in the heart of the Champagne region in France, is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to quality. Each bottle bears the mark of centuries-old tradition, with the reserve Champagne epitomizing elegance and refinement.

3. Bollamatta by Bibi Graetz: Adding a touch of whimsy to the gathering, Bollamatta proved to be the ideal aperitivo. Bibi Graetz, based in the picturesque hills of Tuscany, is celebrated for its commitment to crafting wines of exceptional quality and character. Bollamatta, a sparkling rosé, captures the essence of Tuscan hospitality, with its playful effervescence and vibrant flavours.

Bar Balocchi

Before, I would like to begin saying that I heard many things about Bibi Graetz. Among them, he is a visionary winemaker whose passion for winemaking runs deep in his family's roots. Hailing from Tuscany, Graetz comes from a long line of winemakers, and he has embraced this heritage with gusto, carving out a reputation for himself as one of the region's most innovative producers.

At the heart of Graetz's winemaking philosophy is a deep respect for tradition combined with a bold willingness to experiment. His vineyards are scattered across some of Tuscany's most renowned terroirs, including the slopes in the Chianti Classico and Maremma regions.

Graetz's wines, such as Testamatta and Colore, are renowned for their exceptional quality and character. Unfortunately I hadn't the chance to taste them in this occasion, but I will be organising a tour and write a new post on it.

Beyond his dedication to crafting exceptional wines, Graetz had the genius and genuine idea to create a beautiful project: Bar Barlocchi, nestled at the Castello of Isola del Giglio warmed my heart. Coming from a small village myself, I slowly realised how rare it is to come across an authentic bar where you can still find the old people of the town gathering for a genuine glass of wine. Well, I found this again in this small piece of paradise. Every single detail was perfect: the glasses they serve wine are exactly like those my grandpas used to drink wine, and at the Bar they call them “bicchieretto”.

You can find playing cards, and use them as much as you want. We did, an it reminded me when I used to play cards with my grandma, like "Scopa", "Briscola". There was such a friendly atmosphere where you know that you will end up chatting with everyone. And that is what exactly happened. The lovely aperitivo with Bollamatta and playing cards, ended up with the spontaneous performance of the spectacular singer who was enjoying his friends company and a glass of wine.

I will be definitely coming back to this small piece of paradise hidden within the walls of the ancient castle of Giglio.

These moments, enriched by the company of loved friends and great products from renowned producers like Bibi Graetz, reflect the essence of the celebrated day - a time of gratitude, and the simple joys of life. With each sip and bite, Easter on Isola del Giglio was unequivocally approved, leaving cherished memories to be savored until the next gathering amidst the island's timeless beauty.

I will dedicate the next post to another wine producer, mentioned in this post.