Montemerano, Maremma, Tuscany

Relais Villa Acquaviva is a splendid farmhouse immersed in Maremma, a beautiful corner of southern Tuscany, close to the hot springs of Saturnia.
Such position makes it ideal for those who want a comfortable base from which to explore both the splendid Argentario coast and various historical-archaeological itineraries in the region’s interior.
Once a noble mansion, the property has been carefully restored and today it’s a family-run business that offers 25 tastefully decorated guest rooms and produces excellent wines, olive oil, jams and honey. The interiors ooze comfort and tranquillity, with supersized windows flooding the space with light, antique Tuscan furnishings and lots of cozy corners to while away a few hours with a good book.
The property is surrounded by a beautiful 34-hectare park filled with beds of lavender, aromatic herbs and fruit trees, perfect for delightful walks in nature. For those seeking rest and relaxation, there’s a marvelous hilltop swimming pool overlooking the nearby medieval hamlet of Montemerano, while sporty types can practice their serve in the hotel’s tennis court. On-site massage services are also offered.

Giulio and his brothers present La Morandina

“Five centuries of history. Our memories go back to around 1600, a period in which the surname Morando was already present in the Castiglione Tinella area. A connection with the Earth that gave the name "Morandini Hill" to this strip of Langa where our family has always resided.
And I, Giulio, along with my brother Paolo, have looked after the land of Morandini since 1988
with a new eye: the connection with the family gave life to "La Morandina", and our work has been increasingly concentrated on the vineyard, a blessed territory rich in marl and limestone which, like in few other areas, can convey to the golden Moscato grapes aromas and flavours of great pure elegance. We wanted our Moscato to become the "reflection" of this land, a true expression
of a territory that can provide great quality. A fresh and refined wine, straightforward and without compromises. The same value has been applied to all the vineyards which have become part of
the Tenuta La Morandina over the years.
Nature, history, quality: everything returns and is renewed in the Earth.
The result is double: 80% of the energy we use comes from a renewable source and we avoid distributing a good 10 tons of carbon dioxide every year. This renewable energy formula is our way of thanking the environment, preserving it and continuing to keep alive a tradition that repeats itself each year in the vineyards.
In the cellar, the air expands the fragrances, the freshness and the structure of the different selections: those wines characteristics which are born in the grape bunch while still in the vineyard.
For the Moscato production, two are the souls that merge in our cellar. On one hand we have the traditional small wooden barrels, whose fragrance brings to mind old stories told by candlelight, which are reflected by the red of the bricks in the wall. On the other hand, we use technology to produce Moscato in modern stainless steel vats, which maintain its typical aromas and characteristics. The past and the present: we, men, are the link.”

The Wines

La Morandina produce Moscato, Barbaresco, Barbera d'Asti and Chardonnay, all varieties clearly and unmistakable locals. While drinking the Moscato, the image of the sunlight is evoked by the golden hues of the wine, an oasis of sparkling emotions: for us it's a party right away.
Giulio and his brothers have also an inclination to the Arts: some labels are inspired to the movement of Futurism, adapted to the wine making world.
A touch of color and new shapes that explain the character of the wine and a slightly particular vision of the vineyard as well as life.

Remote Tasting

Selection of Piedmont's blends kept inside the estate's former chapel, which can be enjoyed al fresco in the delightful cobbled courtyard sprinkled with comfy seating areas (this is an excellent spot for a candlelight nightcap, too). Back inside, there'