You know it will be a good day when it starts out with a croissant and an Aperol Spritz!
After all of the eating and drinking that we have been doing, we decided a walk was in order. We made our way along the narrow winding streets of Strambino to the road uphill to the vineyards. This is an area above the town that has been protected against housing development. Plots are owned by individuals for agricultural purposes. Barb and Antonio own a plot where they have a small vineyard and some fruit trees. They purchased it several years ago at their friend Pierangelo’s suggestion and assurance that he would tend to the vines, oversee the harvest and make the wine. They grow Barbera, Bonarda, and Nebbiolo grapes for red wine and Erbaluce grapes for white wine. They have just finished the harvest and the grapes picked will produce around 400 gallons! We tasted some at lunch and it was delicious.
While at the vineyard we found chestnut trees. I did not realize that chestnuts grow in spiky pods and the only way to get the chestnuts out without heavy duty gloves, is to step on them until they open up. We brought some home for Antonio to roast later. Antonio found some mushrooms that he wants to cook also. I think I may hold back on those..On our way home Barb pointed out caper plants growing out of a rock wall. The capers we found were much bigger than the little ones at home in my fridge!
In the evening we were invited for antipasto at Pierangelo’s home. He and his partner, Giancarla had visited us while they were in the United States in 2017 so they wanted to make sure to see us while we were in Italy. In addition to the vast amount of appetizers, they served us sparkling wine and an aperitivo - a beverage Pierangelo had made of a little wine and other sweet ingredients. Pierangelo then showed us his winemaking shed in the backyard and explained - through translation (neither Pierangelo or Giancarla speak any English) the process he goes through to ferment the wine. He usually bottles in August when the moon is rising when he wants the wine “lively” and when the moon is waning when he wants the wine “still”. He also makes grappa and gave Don a bottle. I haven’t tried it yet but I think I need to drink that sitting down!
Dinner was with our niece’s family at their home in the nearby town of Candia. They rebuilt an old farmhouse into a bigger beautiful home. Anna and her husband Valerio have two boys, Noah and Nathan. We enjoyed a delicious dinner of homemade gnocchi with ragu sauce among lots of other delectable dishes. Another wonderful day of drinking and eating!
No comments:
Post a Comment