Along the Costa degli Etruschi wine route there are numerous firms producing the local wines. The northernmost DOC wine is that of Montescudaio, between the rivers Era and Cecina. Around Bolgheri are the wineyards where the grapes for such outstanding wines as Ornellaia and Sassicaia are grown. Finally, the wines produced further south, in the Val di Cornia DOC zone, now have an excellent reputation, including a Rosso Riserva aged for three years.

Flavours From The Land and Sea
While on the coast most of the dishes are fish-based, washed down with the province’s two DOC wines – Colline Lucchesi and Montecarlo – it’s enough to go a few miles inland to discover the Garfagnana and other quieter, more reserved part of Versilia, where gastronomic traditions are linked to local produce. The wholesome, appetizing cusine features a variety of soups, game, mushrooms and truffles, and excellent cured pork specialities.

Originally posted 2008-11-05 08:59:31.