High above a hilltop surrounded by the Val d’Orcia in Tuscany, there’s a magical place where you can detach yourself from the city noise and daily routine. Monteverdi Tuscany provides a luxurious escape where the mind, body, and soul retreat into the healing powers of genuine Tuscan life, both past and present.
Literally no stone goes unturned for Chef Riccardo Bacciottini, Monteverdi Tuscany’s newly appointed Executive Chef. After much time spent abroad cultivating his craft, Chef Riccardo has returned to his native, rural Tuscany to relive and renew his passion for foraging, sustainability, and storytelling. Here he delves deep into the forest, his memories, and creative ingenuity. To this talented chef, food is a story to be told, and the culinary experiences that he presents allow our minds and bodies to be equally nourished.
Enjoy this month’s Chat with Chef Riccardo Bacciottini!
We begin our interview with the idea that food is a connector: to our past, present, and future; to our loved ones; and, in the case of a professional chef like yourself, to others.
I completely agree. We always say that chefs have to be very much an altruist to do this job, sharing knowledge, emotions, and, in our case, stories.
Tell us a bit about your background, such as where you were born and raised.
I come from a little town called Poggibonsi, which is very close to here – about 1.5 hours by car. I grew up in a place surrounded by woods and rolling hills, so being here in Val D’Orcia with similar landscapes, smells, and atmosphere really brings me back to my childhood. As soon as I started this job, I was curious to discover different cultures and places. So right after school, I flew away from Italy to understand what kind of chef I wanted to become one day.
What is your earliest childhood memory that sparked your interest in pursuing a career in food?
Ever since I can remember, I have always been involved in the culinary world. Like every lucky Italian child, I grew up with the delicious food my grandmothers and both of my grandfathers used to make. In my childhood, I recall having a few gardens for vegetables and fruits. We had a few animals like rabbits, turkeys, quails, pigeons, and chickens. Of course, we used to produce our own olive oil and wine. Through those experiences at a young age, I’ve always found myself fascinated by the culinary world. I would say that for me, it has been a natural process that I was born for.
‘A tavola non s’invecchia’: Before we discuss your new position at Monteverdi Tuscany, let’s talk about this Italian expression. What does it mean to you, and how do you think families and friends in Italy treat “la tavola” differently than, say, Americans?
Well, I have to admit that I don’t know how Americans treat ‘la tavola,’ but here in Italy, we put so much importance on eating together as a family: all at the same time and in the same place. Right now, we are living in a very difficult society where we have less and less time to spend together to reconnect. It’s something I see us doing less often, but when it happens, it is a magical moment. We just want to enjoy it.
Can you tell us about your new role at Monteverdi Tuscany?
I first experienced Monteverdi a year ago, and as soon as I stepped on the property, I felt the serene vibes and automatically knew it had so much potential. It didn’t take a lot of time to decide that Monteverdi is the place that represents me the most. Here I can feel at home and truly express myself.
You worked at Noma, which is famous for many reasons, including introducing the concept of foraging to a new audience of food lovers. What attracted you to this idea?
The fact that I could transform all the fond memories of my childhood into different dishes.
How has your experience at Noma influenced what you hope to achieve at Monteverdi Tuscany? Please share some of your plans.
Precision, research, and connection with the territory. These are all the qualities that I found at Noma and plan to utilize in my plans at Monteverdi. Of course, reaching the Michelin Star is one of the biggest goals for me. I also want to let people know about Monteverdi. Showing them the beautiful experience found here is key.
You have not only returned to Italy to continue your career but also to your place of birth. Does this feel like coming full circle? Tell us what that means to you.
It has been really nice to travel around the world visiting other places. However, it is especially special to return back home.
In an age where many hope to turn back the clock and move away from the industrialization of food and scarcity of water towards a more Net Zero way of life, what are your personal feelings? Is it too late, or how can people like yourself help show others that change is possible?
Sustainability is the key. We can enter into the next luxury level by taking a step back, going back to the essentials – sharing the authenticity of local food.
We should stop forcing nature and instead follow the natural process.
For our audience seeking authentic Italian experiences, why should they dine at Zita and ideally stay at Monteverdi Tuscany?
To start, I have to say Monteverdi overall is a fantastic place to decompress and relax. Dining at Zita is a way to reconnect and see the physical draw of real connection with the past and the present of our borgo and all the places around us.
Where do you see yourself in the next decade, and what do you hope to achieve?
I really hope to take part in changing the concept of food. I’d like to change people’s minds and make them understand where we came from. With that idea, give more respect to the earth. It’s definitely something that will take time, but we have to try!
Venturing into the forest with my team is a journey of inspiration and connection – to nature, to each other, and to our craft. The forest is a haven for creativity and ideation, with the shape and stillness of nature acting as a beacon of inspiration. The experience of being in the wild is enriching and grounds us in the raw beauty and simplicity of the world around us.
Sustainable Travel
We at Live in Italy Magazine are always searching for authentic travel experiences. As many of our readers are entering the “Golden Age” of life, we are, for the most part, financially secure. Unlike young travel influencers who often look for the perfect Instagram shot, luxury and money afford the mature traveler deep and meaningful experiences. We want to slow down and fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of Italy (and beyond) with the least environmental impact that we can.
Luxury must be redefined and included is responsibility to our earth and each other – that is sustainable travel. Travel thoughtfully and, if you like, immerse yourself in nature and be nurtured at Monteverdi Tuscany.
You can watch the full interview on our YouTube.
About Monteverdi Tuscany
Monteverdi Tuscany is a luxury boutique property located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia region. Founded in 2012 by Michael L. Cioffi, Monteverdi was created to be a gathering place for curious, creative people to connect and be inspired by their surroundings. In 2023, Monteverdi unveiled new rooms and suites, a meeting and retreat center, and a new Spa & Wellness Center, evolving its wellness program with tailored services such as preventative and aesthetic treatments, regenerative treatments, IV therapy, cryotherapy, and more. Additional amenities include Oreade, a Culinary Academy, an art gallery, and a beautifully restored 700-year-old Romanesque church that serves as Monteverdi’s performing arts venue.
Among the Food and Wine offerings are:
Zita is a restaurant that celebrates conviviality, classic Tuscan flavors, and culinary tradition reimagined through a modern lens.
Open Daily Breakfast 7:30 am-11:00 am | Lunch 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Snack 3:00 – 6:00 | Dinner 7:00-9:30 pm
Oreade (Spring 2025) is a fine dining concept. Named for mountain nymphs, Oreade promises to elevate ingredients sourced from Tuscany’s forests and local farms into culinary poetry, celebrating simplicity with a touch of elevated artistry.
Chef Riccardo Bacciottini also oversees operations at the Library Bar, Lounge, Terrace Bar, and Pool.
Visit Monteverdi Tuscany And Follow @Monteverdi_Tuscany
I love to see how wineries are working toward sustainable travel.
We are definitely supportive of sustainable travel. Thanks for reading the article Amy!