Sextantio – unique world class hotel

There are places and things to see which at times need no description at all. Either because everything’s already been said or nothing has to be said at all because you have to experience it for yourself in order to do it justice. Sextantio, the “Extended Hotel” located in Santo Stefano di Sessanio is surely one of these places.

Let’s start things off simply: Santo Stefano di Sessanio is an abandoned medieval mountain town in the heart of the raw Apennin mountains located approximately 5 Kilometres from Rocca Calascio in the province of Aquila which was brought back to life by Daniele Khilgren. … Continue Reading

Wines of Abruzzo – Regional Information

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC

It should be made clear from the outset that the term montepulciano refers to the type of vine from which the grapes are harvested, while the name “Montepulciano d’Abruzzo” refers to a red DOC wine conforming to the standardised regulations. It should also be pointed out that there is no connection whatsoever between the montepulciano vines and the town of Montepulciano in the province of Sienna known for its “Nobile” and “Rosso” di Montepulciano which are produced with totally different grapes. … Continue Reading

Saffron of Navelli – Specialties

30 Kilometres from the city L’Aquila lies the elevated plain of Navelli which is renowned internationally for its cultivation of world class saffron. The harvest of the precious Crocus sativus, the Saffron flower takes place in October.

Those who have witnessed the Saffron harvest don’t question the high price of the spice which is dealt internationally as the most expensive spice in the world. Flower for flower is picked in painstaking (and may I add, backbreaking) manual labour and the red Saffron filaments … Continue Reading

The Taste of Abruzzo – Quality Wines

The charm of Abruzzo lies very much on the geographical variety the region offers and not to mention, the fact that it is still basically “untouched”. A place where Italy is still… well, I will go as far as saying, “still Italy”. … Continue Reading

Abruzzo Grape Varieties

Approximately 90% of the grape-vines grown in Abruzzo consists of two main vines which are an important part of the local heritage: the Montepulciano and the Trebbiano. In addition to these are a variety of other well-know Italian and international vines such as Sangiovese, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon. … Continue Reading