COMO Castello del Nero hotel evaluation: a real taste of Tuscany

In Review

The 12th-century residentialorcommercialproperty is in the heart of the Chianti area – with a redwine list to match

The skies have opened as we gethere for supper on the balcony at COMO Castello del Nero. Thunder echoes around the rolling Tuscan hills and the view is nearly obscured by the unrelenting rainstorm. But the 12th-century residentialorcommercialproperty provides a inviting haven from the components. 

The estate is high-end hotel group COMO Hotels’s initially home in mainland Europe and covers 740 acres of land layered with vineyards and olive groves, with 50 spaces spread throughout the castle and sheds. The hotel is simply a 30-minute drive from Florence that winds through beautiful Tuscan countryside curtained in the rich vineyards that draw millions of travelers each year. 

Originally the house of the noble Nero household, Castello del Nero came under COMO’s wing in 2019 and hasactually been provided a stylish modern remodeling that pays homage to the estate’s heritage.

Inside, the floorings are the initial terracotta however whitewashed to provide a more contemporary feel, while some spaces haveactually maintained initial frescos dating back to the Renaissance. The designer, Paola Navone, even kept the initial mirrors from the castle, putting them all in one space together, filling the walls right up to the skylight. Through Navone, COMO hasactually discovered the ideal balance of sophistication and convenience.

What to beverage

Castello del Nero is completely positioned in the heart of the Chianti area, so the hotel’s whitewine list is comprehensive and excellent, of course. The hotel looks over acres of its own vines that fruitandvegetables about 14,000 bottles of Chianti Sangiovese a year (and it goes without stating that whitewine tastes specifically excellent when drinking it amongst the vineyards where its grapes were grown). 

COMO presently stocks Castello del Nero’s own olive oil in its sibling hotels, with prepares to export whitewine to its other homes as well.

What to consume 

Castello del Nero has 3 dining places consistingof the Michelin-starred La Torre, which has a seasonal menu sourced from regional farmers and the estate’s own natural garden. Executive chef Giovanni Luca Di Pirro hasactually constructed a innovative tasting menu with complex and beautiful flavours, each plate artistically provided. The unique reward comes in the dessert – 5 superb chocolates forming the shape of a galaxy on a plate that’s practically too much of a work of art to consume.

Guests can likewise savour Mediterranean flavours at La Taverna, in the castle’s initial kitchenarea, or al fresco at the Pavilion diningestablishment, situated on the balcony neglecting the estate. It’s a satisfaction to dine at the latter for the views alone, however the food is likewise charming. For lunch, we are dealtwith to a truffle-themed menu, consistingof a fresh pasta meal followed by a completely prepared sea bass resting in a truffle-infused sauce. Being early in the truffle season, the flavours are subtle and close to excellence. 

What to do

Once the skies clear, the view from my suite exposes rolling hills throughout the landscape. When strolling around the premises after the fresh rain I’m talented with birdsong death through a cool breeze and the odor of moist yard. This is Tuscany at its finest. The estate itself is stretching and visitors can follow significant courses that take you on a trip around the premises, death through forests and vineyards. 

For those who desire to focus on wellness, COMO has likewise brought the veryfirst Asian-inspired dayspa to the area. The Shambala retreat provides bespoke massages, pilates and yoga sessions, thermal suites and a 25-metre heated outside swimming swimmingpool. 

The Chianti countryside is currently distinctively lovely, and what might be muchbetter to checkout the regional location than riding in a vintage Fiat 500? Driving through the winding streets in these renowned cars feels especially Tuscan, particularly as we end up at the little family-run vineyard, La Piaggia, with views ignoring a valley of luscious green scattered with middleages towns. 

For lunch, we are served a plate of home-cooked pasta with a choice of basic yet scrumptious sauces and, of course, the estate’s own redwine to accompany it. Thankfully, we do not have to drive back. 

Castello del Nero closes over the winterseason months and then resumes for visitors to experience Tuscany’s spring in all its finest – even if it does takeplace to rain. Throughout the season, visitors can go on truffle searching trips through the woodland or signupwith for the olive harvest and/or grape selecting from September to October. 

COMO Castello del Nero provides a real taste of Italy, with all its best flavours. 

Inspiring Travel Company provides a three-night stay at COMO Castello Del Nero from £1,015pp, based on 2 sharing an Estate Room consistingof everyday breakfast, return economy flights from London City Airport to Florence and personal transfers. Visit inspiringtravelcompany.co.uk