Castello del Nero offers Traditions of Tuscany Tasting Menu
Castello del Nero, a leading hotel of the world nestled in the heart of the rolling Tuscan hills, has appointed Luca Di Pirro as Executive Chef; he is joined at the 50-guestroom deluxe hotel’s La Torre Restaurant by new Maître d’, Tiziano Siggillino, and together they promise to offer delicious Tuscan delicacies with flair and the highest attention to customer service. A new Traditions of Tuscany Tasting Menu offers diners selection of the finest Chianti cuisine.
Executive Chef Giovanni Luca Di Pirro completed his training at the Institute Hotelier Malatesta in Rimini. As the child of a passionate professional cook he was inspired from a very early age by the aromas, textures and tastes of Italian food, with its myriad regional and seasonal variations. Already with experience of one Michelin starred restaurant he moved to Montalcino in Tuscany in 1999 where he and his wife ran an intimate local restaurant. In 2007 he became Executive Chef at Castiglion del Bosco in Montalcino before moving to Ristorante Poggio Antico in the same town. Di Pirro joined Castello del Nero in spring 2012 bringing a philosophy, inspired by Tuscan traditions and landscapes, to create exquisite cuisine from the freshest in-season produce from the locality.
Maître d’ Tiziano Siggillino credits childhood stories from his two favourite uncles about their time as Maître d’ on cruise liners as the source of his passion for cuisine. Completing his hospitality training at Matera, he oversaw one- and two-Michelin star restaurants for several years, including La Rosetta in Rome and La Tenda Rossa in Florence, before joining Di Pirro at Castello del Nero this spring.
Located twenty minutes from Florence and thirty minutes from Siena, Castello del Nero Hotel & Spa commands views across the rolling Tuscan hills and vineyards from its meticulously restored rooms, shade dappled terraces and heated outdoor pool. The estate produces its own red wine and extra virgin olive oil, showcased in La Torre Restaurant. Located in the former stables of the estate, the central feature of the restaurant is the magnificent decorated fireplace that complements the high-arched ceiling, terracotta tiled floor, and the French doors that reveal the breath taking Chianti countryside. A la carte menus are served for lunch and dinner and feature a range of Di Pirro’s signature dishes showcasing typical Tuscan flavours and made with the freshest local produce. In summer, the Garden Terrace is the perfect spot from which to admire the rolling Tuscan hills while enjoying lunch, dinner or drinks.
Di Pirro has designed a new Traditions of Tuscany Tasting Menu, consisting of five courses for EUR50 per person. Start with regional speciality Prosciutto Grigio del Casentino served alongside Tuscan crostini topped with chicken liver pâté and a Pecorino cheese crème brûlée, then enjoy Pici pasta with Chianina beef ragout followed by Ribollita, the traditional Tuscan soup. Chianti chicken with rosemary infused potatoes evokes the landscape surrounding the restaurant and the experience closes with Zuppa Inglese - trifle, the Italian way.
Accommodation with breakfast starts from EUR440 per night. Dinner for two in La Torre Restaurant starts from EUR50 for the Traditions of Tuscany Tasting Menu.
Visit castellodelnero.com for more information.