You already know about my love for Italy. The food, the wine, the climate.
So when Piccini Wines got in touch with a little invitation which promised to deliver all of these for me (well two out of three), I almost bit their hand off accepting.


The warehouse has a rustic feel, kitted out with a wood fire grill, exposed iron panels, plywood bathroom and two huge communal tables suspended from the ceiling.


Hailing from the Chianti region of Italy, Piccini manage over 400 hectares of vineyards and believe in taking a modern approach to traditional winemaking, with a real emphasis on enjoyment.
This partnership between Piccini Wines and Forza Win was all about showcasing the flavours of Tuscany whilst walking us through some of the finest wines that this family-run producer has on offer.
We started our evening with a glass of 1882 sparkling wine and traditional Italian crostini topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and a good plug of Piccini olive oil....


The premise of Forza Win is that you sit amongst friends and strangers and serve yourself, family style to the dishes in-front of you. Whilst intimidating at first, it's a great way to meet new people and becomes much easier by your second glass of Poggio Teo (my favourite wine of the night).
Our starter came in the form a light minestrone verde broth with white beans and crispy croutons paired with a delicious Bianco Toscano Orange label white wine.

Keen to make sure we'd leave with more than just a handover, we were treated to tastings throughout the evening by Managing Director Mario Piccini who explained a little about Piccini's history and the growing, blending and production methods behind each individual wine...



Another favourite for me was the Agliano Don Pa, a bold red wine served alongside a deliciously cheesey pappardelle pomodoro to complete our pasta course 

The dish I was really looking forward to though was the main.
Just look at it. A perfectly cooked florentine steak, served on the bone with a salsa verde.
There are few pleasures in life better than good red wine and rare steak. 


Nor the meaty pea with pancetta...
or fire baked aubergine with salsa verde and pecorino - which was meant for the veggies but we managed to snaffle from our new found neighbour. 


Putting a cap on a perfect evening was a simple dessert of poached pear, basil and ricotta and a glass of Piccini Memoro Rosato
Such a perfect way to spend a Monday evening (although the Tuesday morning wasn't so enjoyable!)While you won't able to attend the Piccini Wines supper club, as it's been and gone, you can still head to one of Forza Win's events over the summer or head to the supermarket to pop a bottle of Piccini Wines to have your own flavour of Tuscany...cheers!
* Our food & drink was complimentary
All opinions are my own