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THE ROOSTER
our faboulous art gallery
THE STORY BEHIND THE ROOSTER
In mythology, the rooster is a symbol of courage, pride, and honesty – all key elements of our personal commitment. The rooster is believed to protect our homes, reflect positive energy,
and promise good fortune.
Roosters are also widely used in the Mediterranean as an honorary culinary symbol, such as the legendary Black Rooster sealing each bottle of our beloved Chianti Classico. Don’t forget, that the most joyful evenings start with a cocktail.
It might have been destiny or pure coincidence that it was in the Year of the Rooster when we took over the property, but we deliberately chose a weathercock indicating the year 2017 for
our roof-top decor.
To sum up, our rooster blends the rural heritage of our centuries-old Countryhouse with our warm hospitality and culinary lifestyle.
THE ROOSTER ART GALLERY
Just for fun, we have asked winemakers, master blenders, and other connoisseurs to grab a pen and paper, and draw us their rooster. Take a look at the faboulous masterpieces below or visit the permanent exhibition in our Countryhouse.
Matteo Lunelli, Ferrari TrentoDOC
Matteo has a sparkling commitment to bring Italian excellence to the world. His passion is contagious, and the award-winning bubbles are dangerously good. Ferrari Perlé is simply our favorite sparkling wine, which is why we offer you this excellent vintage Trentodoc by the glass at any time. This chardonnay is grown in mountain vineyards, skillfully crafted according to the Metodo Classico, and aged to perfection for about 5 years in the cellars in Trento.
Baron Francesco, Ricasoli 1141
Where it all began! Brolio Castle has been in the Ricasoli family since 1141. That´s not a typo: 1-1-4-1, a remarkable history! However, rien-sans-pain [nothing without pain; Fren.], as it is written on the family´s shield. Preserving the Ricasoli heritage involved fighting many battles. One milestone occured in 1872, when Bettino Ricasoli created the first recipe for Chianti. The Baron understood the importance of unifying, modernizing, and shaping wines made in the Black Rooster territory. Another milestone was the winery´s renaissance in 1993 under the lead of Baron Francesco Ricasoli. With an eye for detail, probably from his past as a professional photographer, and the endurance to prevail, stemming from his enthusiasm for cycling, Francesco has found the perfect balance between respecting the origins and pursuing contemporary excellence. (Talking about cycling, if you have mastered the renowned Kattegattleden passing our Countryhouse, the legendary Eroica in the hills around Castello Brolio might be your next adventure on two wheels!)
We believe any serious Tuscan selection has to include a wine from the exceptional Ricasoli heritage.
We believe any serious Tuscan selection has to include a wine from the exceptional Ricasoli heritage.
Antonio Salinas, Real Agrado
Have you ever wished for a ladder that could provide you with a better overview of the overwhelming world of wine? We have it! Luckily, wine remains a rural business built on trust and dedicated people. We often rely on personal recommendations, and whenever a friend in the wine industry accepts a new challenge, it offers us an opportunity to explore unknown territories. For example, Antonio once took Michael on a memorable tapas haunt, and he later introduced us to our all-time favorite Albarino. More recently, Antonio helped us discover the Bodega Real Agrado in the heart of Rioja Oriental, where all the grapes are grown in the clay and limestone soils of the estate in the slopes of Yerga mountain. To match our tapas-like Miniature Cuisine, we have chosen “VA!”: 100% Tempranillo, handpicked, micro-fermented, foot-trodden, unoaked. ¡Caramba! An outstanding Rioja!
Håkan Nilsson, Remmarlöv Gårdsbryggeri
In 2014, Håkan started a craft brewery on his chicken farm in the old parish of Remmarlöv, which explains the chicken depicted on each bottle. But you´d have to be a mechanic or at least share in Håkan´s enthusiasm for American cars to figure out that his fresh Holley Blonde Ale got its name from an engine carburetor. We have chosen Remmarlöv because of their rural roots, their commitment to organic and local ingredients, and last but not least their well-balanced and easy-drinking style.
Angela D´Orazio, Contract blender (fd Mackmyra)
While many stories about women and whisky remain untold, Angela d´Orazio has been honored for her achievements and inducted into the prominent Whisky Magazine´s Hall of Fame. At the Swedish pioneer Mackmyra, where she held the wonderful title of Chief Nose Officer, Angela was a key figure in exploring whisky. From its gravity distillery, odd cask sizes, surprising finishes, use of deep mines and snow tops as warehouses to its efforts to engage AI in creating a genuine blend, Mackmyra has followed its own path.
A special discovery in our Malt Library is Mackmyra´s Single Cask Range: four unique casks of different styles bottled at original strength.
A special discovery in our Malt Library is Mackmyra´s Single Cask Range: four unique casks of different styles bottled at original strength.
Angela D´Orazio (AI), Contract blender (fd Mackmyra)
While many stories about women and whisky remain untold, Angela d´Orazio has been honored for her achievements and inducted into the prominent Whisky Magazine´s Hall of Fame. At the Swedish pioneer Mackmyra, where she held the wonderful title of Chief Nose Officer, Angela was a key figure in exploring whisky. From its gravity distillery, odd cask sizes, surprising finishes, use of deep mines and snow tops as warehouses to its efforts to engage AI in creating a genuine blend, Mackmyra has followed its own path.
A special discovery in our Malt Library is Mackmyra´s Single Cask Range: four unique casks of different styles bottled at original strength.
A special discovery in our Malt Library is Mackmyra´s Single Cask Range: four unique casks of different styles bottled at original strength.
Jon Hillgren, Hernö Gin
In 2011, Jon and his copper still Kierstin started a journey that would take them from the High Coast of Sweden to world-class gin. Our enthusiasm for Jon´s handcrafted, organic gin grew sip by sip. Today we have chosen the award-winning Hernö as our exclusive gin distillery for the superb taste of its spirit, its passionate people, and its rural origin. Beyond our cocktail offer, we recommend a Little Black Cat, a miniature Old Tom Gin & Tonic, as a refreshing (G)intermezzo between our starters and the main course.
Contessa Sophie, Tenuta Manincor
Boots on ground, heart in hand! At Manincor, biodynamic farming is deep-rooted, and sustainability is more than just a word. A family with a genuine commitment to respectfully work with the cycles of nature, they create outstanding wines that are purest expression of terroir. To us, Manincor means drinking pleasure, inspiration, education, and friendship.
To match our wide variety of dishes, we have selected Reserve della Contessa. Its noble elegance, complexity, and wide structure make it one of the most versatile Italian whites we know.
To match our wide variety of dishes, we have selected Reserve della Contessa. Its noble elegance, complexity, and wide structure make it one of the most versatile Italian whites we know.
Fredrik Beskow, Beskows
Since the beginning, Beskow´s VY has been our first choice of alcohol-free alternatives to wine. We share not only Fredrik´s values and passion, but also a common background in the beverage industry. To understand his commitment to premium quality and local handcraft, take a closer look at his back label. You will be impressed by the number of local ingredients and different techniques he uses to produce such a food-friendly and well-structured drink without alcohol or added sugar. Then turn back to the front to have another look, because Fredrik´s beautiful label and sophisticated content are both of the finest quality.
Marco Pallanti, Castello di Ama
The essence of Ama is the interaction of time, nature, art, and the wisdom of wine. Contemporary art in the wine cellar reflects the revolutionary vision of the prominent estate. A striking modern sculpture connects with centuries-old buildings and traditional vineyards. Marco Pallanti has been mastering the art of winemaking since 1982. This microcosm evokes the genuine spirit of Ama.
Manuel Barbadillo Eyzaguirre, Bodegas Barbadillo
Do you believe in coincidence? Our love for Manzanilla, the particularly dry sherry with a maritime character, brought us to its origin city of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. When we arrived, we discovered that our visit coincided not only with the days of the Manzanilla festival, but also with the year that the harbor city was awarded Spain´s Capital of Gastronomy. Yet there was more to come. On our way, we discovered Solear, an outstanding Manzanilla with a fresh and mysterious character. Imagine our surprise when we realized that the family running the little boutique hotel where we were staying also happened to produce our new favorite sherry. Ever since, we have been offering Manzanilla Solear by the glass at any time. It is a perfect pairing with our tapas-like Miniature Cuisine.
Roger Melander, High Coast Whisky
At 63o N, nature is dramatic, the people are simple, and life follows its own rhythm. At High Coast Whisky, having extreme temperature swings in the warehouse, working with ice-cold water from the Ångerman River, and allowing good things to take their time are not considered challenges, but rather advantages in crafting a unique Nordic single malt. Distillery manager Roger Melander thinks outside the BOX — and true whisky connoisseurs will understand the double-meaning here.
The core range is a wonderful tribute to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Höga Kusten [High Coast, swed.] origins and its local timberwork heritage. If you ask Michael for his favorite, he will probably serve you Hav [sea, swed.], a whisky with a spicy, salty character and light peat smoke. But remember that taste always depends on both one's mood and the weather.
The core range is a wonderful tribute to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Höga Kusten [High Coast, swed.] origins and its local timberwork heritage. If you ask Michael for his favorite, he will probably serve you Hav [sea, swed.], a whisky with a spicy, salty character and light peat smoke. But remember that taste always depends on both one's mood and the weather.
Giulia Harri, Mastrojanni
Let us tell you a true story about pizza, wine, and passion: To learn more about the wines of Mastrojanni, we visited the remote estate and even stayed over at their marvelous boutique hotel. But it was while waiting for a fresh take-away Margherita in historic Montalcino that Michael asked a simple question that started a lively discussion about pizza. One guest who participated in this culinary discourse turned out to be the winemaker of the winery where we were staying at the time! What a “sorpresa”! Winemaking and a tasty Margherita may be a world a apart, but we believe that it must be Giulia´s passion and love for details what make her Rosso di Montalcino so generous and her outstanding Brunello so complex and stimulating.
Romain Chichery, Thora Vingård
Bjäre´s excellent culinary variety was a decisive element when we were looking for the perfect place to turn our dream into a reality. It was beyond our imagination that even wine would play such an important role. One of the wine pioneers on the peninsula, the Öberg family, recognized that the constant sea breezes combined with sandy, mineral soil made an ideal terroir in which to grow quality grapes. They planted their first vines by the Kattegat in 2014 and hired a young French winemaking couple to bring in experience and profound understanding of enology. Their first vintages already prove that Thora Vingård have mastered the art of enhancing minerality and complexity in such a wonderful way that we are considering offering their Solaris by the glass all summer long – what do you think?
Henric Molin, Spirit of Hven
Ven [Swed.] or Hven [Dan.]? The different names of the island, where once the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe observed the skies, reflect its rich history and unique location in the strait of the Öresund. Since 2008, scientist and whisky pioneer Henric Molin has been reaching for the stars here. With precision, curiosity, and analytical skills, the master distiller with a chemist background crafts an extra fine spirit aged to perfection in the Ven warehouse and bottled in the iconic laboratory-like flask.
The stars we have chosen from the Swedish Islander are the serious single malt Tycho Brahe, Hvenus made with island-grown rye for our Øresund Negroni, and the blended whisky Old Hare, one of Michael’s personal favorites that he recommends sipping while relaxing in a hammock on our hare hillock, where you might even spot a rabbit in the open fields.
The stars we have chosen from the Swedish Islander are the serious single malt Tycho Brahe, Hvenus made with island-grown rye for our Øresund Negroni, and the blended whisky Old Hare, one of Michael’s personal favorites that he recommends sipping while relaxing in a hammock on our hare hillock, where you might even spot a rabbit in the open fields.
Tommaso Marrocchesi Marzi, Bibbiano
Tommaso, the fifth generation of the Marrochesi Marzi family at Tenuta di Bibbiano, surely has a deep-rooted connection with roosters. In Chianti Classico territory, the very first wine production zone, the black rooster has served as trademark for centuries. Situated on a Tuscan hilltop the winery is surrounded by its vineyards, allowing the traditional Sangiovese grape to express the heritage of this historic estate. The Vigna del Capannino marks the beginning of our love for the Gallo Nero, and in our century-old Bjäre cellar we keep two different vintages for you to enjoy.
Albiera Antinori, Marchesi Antinori
When working in wine, one tends to neglect the great labels of the competitors. Now that we have left the industry to open our home, kitchen, and cellar, we can enjoy the luxury of boundless choices. Above all, we keep exploring Tuscany, as this renowned region plays a major role on our wine list. At regular tastings, the crus of one historical Florentine family with 26 generations of wine-making experience keep convincing us: The honorable Marchesi Antinori, one of the world’s 10th oldest family businesses, has a tremendous history, record, and reputation. We have chosen the appealing Il Bruciato from maritime Bolgheri, the elegant Marchese Antinori Riserva from the rolling hills of Chianti Classico, and Tignanello and Solaia for the intellectual pleasure these two icons offer. Marchesi Antinori’s latest milestone is their home in Chianti Classico: innovative architecture, stunning landscape, prestigious wines of the finest quality, and a fantastic restaurant! No matter how many wineries you have already visited, Antinori nel Chianti Classico will make a great impression on you!
Perrin family, La Vieille Ferme
In our opinion, Southern France stands out for its versatility, value, and freshness. The Perrin family is a member of the exclusive Primum Familiae Vini. The twelve wine-making families represent excellence in the world of wine, combined with sustainability, family continuity, and innovation. In 1970 Jean-Pierre Perrin followed his own ideas and named a new generation of easy-drinking wines La Vieille Ferme (“the old farm” in French) and chose the emblem of a rooster and hen. Today, this rural identity makes it the perfect wine to serve in the countryside.
Curious about Primum Familiae Vini? On our wine list you will find further prestigious members: Antinori and it crus extending back 26 generations, Tenuta San Guido with its iconic star Sassicaia, as well as Symington´s Graham´s Port, which is the perfect pairing with our cheese platter.
Curious about Primum Familiae Vini? On our wine list you will find further prestigious members: Antinori and it crus extending back 26 generations, Tenuta San Guido with its iconic star Sassicaia, as well as Symington´s Graham´s Port, which is the perfect pairing with our cheese platter.
Leonie (9 years-old), Pasquet family
Maison Jean-Luc Pasquet is our exclusive cognac. We have deliberately chosen a little family domain to allow you to experience the vintage effect and the expression of terroir. The small production comes entirely from the family-owned organic vineyards in Grande Champagne.
Talking about cognac, have you ever tasted Pineau? Pineau des Charentes is a unique fortified wine made of fresh grape juice blended with young cognac. Mixed with Fentimans Connoisseurs tonic water, fresh air, and sunshine, it is our new favorite summer drink.
Talking about cognac, have you ever tasted Pineau? Pineau des Charentes is a unique fortified wine made of fresh grape juice blended with young cognac. Mixed with Fentimans Connoisseurs tonic water, fresh air, and sunshine, it is our new favorite summer drink.
Laura (11 years-old), Pasquet family
Maison Jean-Luc Pasquet is our exclusive cognac. We have deliberately chosen a little family domain to allow you to experience the vintage effect and the expression of terroir. The small production comes entirely from the family-owned organic vineyards in Grande Champagne.
Talking about cognac, have you ever tasted Pineau? Pineau des Charentes is a unique fortified wine made of fresh grape juice blended with young cognac. Mixed with Fentimans Connoisseurs tonic water, fresh air, and sunshine, it is our new favorite summer drink.
Talking about cognac, have you ever tasted Pineau? Pineau des Charentes is a unique fortified wine made of fresh grape juice blended with young cognac. Mixed with Fentimans Connoisseurs tonic water, fresh air, and sunshine, it is our new favorite summer drink.
Louis (7 years-old), Pasquet family
Maison Jean-Luc Pasquet is our exclusive cognac. We have deliberately chosen a little family domain to allow you to experience the vintage effect and the expression of terroir. The small production comes entirely from the family-owned organic vineyards in Grande Champagne.
Talking about cognac, have you ever tasted Pineau? Pineau des Charentes is a unique fortified wine made of fresh grape juice blended with young cognac. Mixed with Fentimans Connoisseurs tonic water, fresh air, and sunshine, it is our new favorite summer drink.
Talking about cognac, have you ever tasted Pineau? Pineau des Charentes is a unique fortified wine made of fresh grape juice blended with young cognac. Mixed with Fentimans Connoisseurs tonic water, fresh air, and sunshine, it is our new favorite summer drink.
Jeppe Appelin, Vejby Vingård
Jeppe, the unusual Nordic winemaker. Whether wines are certified as organic or biodynamic, no challenge is too great for Vejby Vingård, who relies on ancient techniques and a self-built cellar to create unique wines.
Laura Bianchi, Castello di Monsanto
Love at first sight. The certainty you feel when you find the perfect home. Aldo Bianchi fell for a hilltop castle with stunning views looking out over the scenic Tuscan landscape. He made Castello di Monsanto his family home. We found our perfect place in the heart of the Bjäre Peninsula, where we turned our dream of a little connoisseur hotel into a reality.
The very old and rare Chianti Classico wines forgotten in the century-old cellar of our Countryhouse shaped our philosophy. The bottles hidden in the castle’s cellar convinced Federico, Aldo’s son, of the exceptional enological potential of Monsanto.
Federico became so engaged in and committed to growing wine that his father felt he should have the castello as a wedding gift. Here the story of the celebrated winery that is rewriting the rules of Chianti begins.
However, it is the sensory message of an uncorked bottle that made us true Monsanto fans. A rich, bold, and deep Gallo Nero — rigorous classicism!
The artist behind the iconic label (a copy of a canvas hanging in the castello) is Macchiaioli impressionist Andrea Pampana. We have asked Laura Bianchi, who has run the winery with the love and passion of her father Fabrizio for over 30 years, to draw us her Gallo.
With a Monsanto rooster in our collection and the wine in our cellar, the fairytale about love at first sight definitely has a happy ending.
The very old and rare Chianti Classico wines forgotten in the century-old cellar of our Countryhouse shaped our philosophy. The bottles hidden in the castle’s cellar convinced Federico, Aldo’s son, of the exceptional enological potential of Monsanto.
Federico became so engaged in and committed to growing wine that his father felt he should have the castello as a wedding gift. Here the story of the celebrated winery that is rewriting the rules of Chianti begins.
However, it is the sensory message of an uncorked bottle that made us true Monsanto fans. A rich, bold, and deep Gallo Nero — rigorous classicism!
The artist behind the iconic label (a copy of a canvas hanging in the castello) is Macchiaioli impressionist Andrea Pampana. We have asked Laura Bianchi, who has run the winery with the love and passion of her father Fabrizio for over 30 years, to draw us her Gallo.
With a Monsanto rooster in our collection and the wine in our cellar, the fairytale about love at first sight definitely has a happy ending.
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