One bite of this soup and you’ll be whisked away to the hills of Tuscany. I’m assuming Tuscany is hilly, because I’ve never been there. However, according to several romance movies that take place in Tuscany, it is quite scenic and filled with gorgeous people who speak the language of amore and help you carry your jugs of chianti back to your villa, which is located on a hill. Awesome. So anyways, back to the soup and how it will take you there… Barley is incredibly earthy and luscious. The spinach and tomatoes round out this thick and creamy soup. They also add a delightful color and make the soup gorgeous – much like the Italian who is carrying your jug of chianti.