When people proclaim they would like to have lived in the Middle Ages, they are often picturing lavish banquets in a splendid castle overlooking a hilly landscape, which is just what you’re signing up for with a visit to Castello Banfi, in the beautiful Tuscan countryside surrounding Montalcino. In the stunning Sala dei Grappoli (which gets its name from the frescos depicting grape bunches), chef Domenico Francone delivers an elevated take on Tuscan cuisine, in dishes such as cuttlefish, its ink, pappa al pomodoro, buffalo mozzarella and basil or pigeon with peanuts, cherry, black salsify and shallots.