Castello del Nero

7 Strada Spicciano, Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Tuscany

You know you’re going to drink well at Castello del Nero, whose list has won multiple worldwide awards and overlooks Antinori, home of the original Super-Tuscans. But there is also sumptuous dining on offer at this five-star hotel, set within a 12th-century castle half an hour from Florence and Siena. Its poolside taverna is authentic and the La Torre Restaurant is starred. Rustic is generally best in Tuscany and the Castello sources local buffalo mozzarella as well as superb charcuterie, with artisanal bread of many kinds to dip into the fine house-produced olive oil; a highlight of every meal. Chef Giovanni Luca di Pirro clearly isn’t short of star quality, using the beautiful surrounding villages for inspiration with his slow-cooked egg nestled on Parmesan mousse surrounded by a warm salad of young broad beans and early asparagus. Homemade tagliatelle with fresh tomatoes and basil from the on-site herb garden is excellent and cappelletti with mediterranean sea water and lobster ragout was brave and full of interesting flavour, but the jury is out. Very fishy and a real taste of the sea.Cookery classes are also strong at the hotel, while wine tasting is also on offer in a cellar whose offerings include excellent reds from the Castello’s own vineyards and production centre. AG. 00 39 05 580 6470, castellodelnero.com