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?
Tradition and innovation: the philosophy of Chef Stefano Azzi at L'Antica Chiusina
At the helm of the restaurant is Chef Stefano Azzi, a prominent name in the Italian culinary scene. Azzi, with a background that spans experiences in Michelin-starred restaurants and a deep knowledge of traditional techniques, brings with him a visceral passion for cooking and an unwavering commitment to enhancing local products. His career is marked by a constant quest for excellence and a profound understanding of authentic flavors, which he now conveys through every dish served at Villa Grazianella.
Throughout his career, as he shared during our interview, Azzi has worked in various high-level restaurants, where he refined his culinary skills and developed a cooking philosophy that combines simplicity and elegance. His experience as a sous chef in a two-Michelin-star restaurant allowed him to understand the importance of attention to detail and the quality of ingredients. Today, at L'Antica Chiusina, Azzi practices this philosophy, creating dishes that highlight the authentic flavors of Tuscany.
Seasonality and raw ingredients, beyond zero kilometers
The cuisine at Villa Grazianella is a tribute to seasonality and the quality of raw ingredients. As explained by Chef Azzi, 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 Tuscan pappa al pomodoro, served only during the tomato harvest season “to preserve its genuineness, avoiding preservation methods that would alter its authentic flavor."
Chef Azzi's culinary philosophy centers on simplicity and attention to detail. Every dish is designed to maximize the value of the ingredients, avoiding unnecessary decorations that might distract from the authentic flavor. "I'm not the typical chef who 'beautifies' the plate with superfluous embellishments", Azzi explains. "I want the customer to focus on the dish itself and enjoy it to the fullest".
An unbreakable bond with the land and its products
L'Antica Chiusina maintains an extremely close relationship with the territory it inhabits: its privileged location, just minutes from Lake Trasimeno and surrounded by Mediterranean scrubland, offers a breathtaking panorama that enhances the culinary experience. As Azzi 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 cinta senese pork, 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 chickens 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 Azzi 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 Stefano Azzi'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.
