In the heart of splendid Tuscany, nestled between the gentle hills of Val d’Orcia and the fertile Val di Chiana, lies a true culinary gem: the restaurant L’Antica Chiusina at Villa Grazianella of Fattoria del Cerro, one of the prestigious estates of the Tenute del Cerro group, known for the production (and tasting) of fine wines and the promotion of local excellence. Villa Grazianella, a historic structure immersed in breathtaking scenery, offers its guests a welcoming and refined environment. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the villa is the ideal place for those who wish to enjoy genuine, high-quality cuisine paired with the best wines of the region.
In this setting, L’Antica Chiusina is not just a restaurant but a sensory experience that celebrates the authentic flavors of Tuscan tradition, combined with a culinary philosophy that highlights the seasonality and quality of ingredients. Ready to learn more?
At the helm of the restaurant is Chef Giuseppe Gravino, a rising star in the Italian gastronomic scene. Despite his young age, Gravino boasts a background that spans Italy both geographically and culturally, with much of his experience rooted in Tuscany, where he mastered traditional techniques. Chef Gravino brings a deep-rooted passion for cuisine and a dynamic, constant commitment to showcasing local products. He presents them with creativity and modern innovation through every dish served at Ristorante l’Antica Chiusina in Villa Grazianella.
Throughout his career, as he told us during the interview, Gravino worked in the kitchens of superior-category Italian hotels, where he refined his culinary skills and developed a cooking philosophy that combines method and elegance. His experience as a chef in the most important restaurants in our area allowed him to understand the importance of attention to detail and ingredient quality. Today, at L’Antica Chiusina, Gravino has the opportunity to put this philosophy into practice, creating dishes that enhance the authentic flavors of Tuscany.
The cuisine at Villa Grazianella is a tribute to seasonality and the quality of raw ingredients. As explained by Chef Gravino, each dish results from a rigorous selection of ingredients, all sourced from local producers or nearby areas, ensuring freshness and authenticity.
“My cooking is classic and seasonal”, he states, emphasizing that “in winter, the menu features richer and more substantial dishes, while in summer, the focus is on fresh vegetables and greens”. A perfect example of this approach is the zucchini blossom and courgette tartlet served on a saffron-infused pecorino cheese cream, served only during the tomato harvest season “to preserve its genuineness, avoiding preservation methods that would alter its authentic flavor.”
L’Antica Chiusina maintains an extremely close relationship with the territory it inhabits: its privileged location, just minutes from Montepulciano and Lake Trasimeno and surrounded by Mediterranean scrubland, offers a breathtaking panorama that enhances the culinary experience. As Gravino asserts, “We are on the border between Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana. The landscape is marvelous: surrounded by Mediterranean scrub and with an almost 360-degree view of the valley”.
The territory also plays a crucial role in the selection of raw ingredients: “From cured meats to pecorino cheese, from Chianina beef to products like truffle, our approach reflects a deep respect and connection with the surrounding land”. We exclusively use certified and top-quality products such as Casentino Valley eggs and free-range ducks from local producers, crafting dishes that pay homage to the richness of Tuscany’s culinary offerings.
The attention is not only reserved for gastronomy but also for beverages, Chef Gravino continues: “The wines served at the restaurant exclusively come from Tenute del Cerro, including renowned selections like Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Chianti Colli Senesi. All pairings with the dishes are meticulously designed to enhance the exploration of these prime ingredients”.
Therefore, the restaurant L’Antica Chiusina at Villa Grazianella represents an essential destination for lovers of fine cuisine and excellent wine. Thanks to Chef Giuseppe Gravino’s mastery and his dedication to quality and tradition, each visit becomes a unique journey through the flavors and beauties of Tuscany. The combination of fresh, local ingredients, a culinary philosophy that celebrates simplicity and essence, and a stunning location make dining at L’Antica Chiusina an unforgettable experience.
Curious to discover the menu? You can reserve a table by making a request directly through the Tenute del Cerro website or by calling 346 0023560, even for guests who are not staying at the estate.
Fattoria del Cerro, located in Montepulciano (Acquaviva), in the province of Siena, extends over 600 hectares of property, of which 181 are vineyards. With its 93 hectares registered in the Vino Nobile register, it is the largest private producer of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
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