This morning, my last in Montalcino, I enjoyed a daybreak drive through the vineyards of Il Poggione with winemaker Fabrizio Bindocci as my guide (I’ve been staying at the estate’s farmhouse).
The vision above made me think of Dante, Inferno, 34, 132-33:
- Into that hidden passage my guide and I
entered, to find again the world of light
I remembered my years as a grad student, often spent imagining the quality of light as perceived by humankind in the Middle Ages.
I remembered the famous passage from Burckhardt:
- In the Middle Ages both sides of human consciousness—that which was turned within as that which was turned without—lay dreaming or half awake beneath a common veil. The veil was woven of faith, illusion, and childish prepossession, through which the world and history were seen clad in strange hues.
And I realized that those strange hues often reveal truths lost on those inebriated by the glow of rationalism.
Do Bianchi 
I’ve been enjoying reading your reports and comments. I think you were the guitar player in the band I saw last month in La Jolla! Was down there from SF for a few days for work. Small world. My wife and I will be spending a week in Tuscany in Oct. in almost the same areas you are in right now. You’re making it sound great. We’ll be staying between Montalcino and Montepulciano. Any recommendations on places to ask about tastings?
poetic and philosophical – brilliant!
such a lovely little post Jar! really enjoying reading about your current trip. and that strange hue- incredibly inspiring.
Hello Jeremy,
I was wondering if during your stay at Il Poggione you had a chance to taste the 2008 and 2009 vintage samples. Do you have any early assessment on these vintages for Brunello or Rosso?
Thanks,
Daniele