To speak of Provence in the Chianti region is certainly an exaggeration, yet who would expect to find lavender fields in areas historically dedicated to the cultivation of vines and olive trees ?
Rock music blaring welcomes me in the square in front of the Officina Estrattiva, and I think, this is off to a good start! I get out of the car and am captivated by an intense scent of lavender: the distillation has already begun. Lorenzo welcomes me with warmth and a bit of surprise: it’s the first time we’ve seen each other! We both discovered that we “exist” through my blog: he was looking for lavender in Chianti and found my two posts about lavender! The funny things in life! … … Not content with that, I also had the honor of seeing the tractor used to harvest the plant: a kind of large scissors, originating from France, attached to the side of the vehicle and capable of cutting and tying small bunches of lavender, which will then be placed in the still to extract the oil. But at Casalvento there’s more than just lavender. Helichrysum, sage, and other medicinal plants frame the estate. Lorenzo Dòmini, the Perfumer of the Chianti, a person who believes in what she does, putting her heart and soul into it.”
After her visit, Stefania Pianigiani wrote about her brief experience on her blog “La Finestra di Stefania – enogastrogiardinaggio –.” It was truly a pleasure to read these reflections, which showed how tenacity and determination are the foundation of any endeavor. Stefania, in addition to having a passion for communication and journalism, is a gardener and knows the cultivation techniques, so she can also judge them. Years later, she still contributes to highly read local newspapers, and it’s always a pleasure to read her.
© Stefania Pianigiani. Online blog “La finestra di Stefania – enogastrogiardinaggio -” Skilled Artisans – My Chianti. August 3, 2010.