Saturday errands

 

A quick stop at nearby Ca'Basso to stock up on a bit of everyday table wine, quickly changed to . . . "So tell me again just how I can bottle your wine and make my own Prosecco." And if we can find the time, we intend to do just that. 

walkin' for wine

We gathered with friends for the 17th Magnalonga della Valpolicella recently. So listen to this...a ten kilometer "hike" through northern Italy's wine country with seven stops for sustenance (read: seven glasses of wines from the region along with a seven courses of food) along the way, complete with pouches for us to carry our wine glasses as we worked up the stamina to go from stop to stop.

I mean...really...why would I ever leave this country?
(If you have good reasons, and I know you do, please don't burst my happy bubble. I need a happy bubble today, that's the reason for this post.)

Did I mention that several of the stops had live music? And dancing? And we were accompanied by hoards of happy hikers? And gracious wine makers?

The only downside was the forecast and  impending threat of thunderstorms, which kept us moving pretty quickly from stop to stop. This is an event for lingering. We didn't linger enough. We, however, did beat the storm that rolled in just as our group of very prudent Americani headed home. We were, after all, among the first to arrive.

 

And here is yet another reason we are in love with this place we call home. The Valpolicella wine region is located just about an hour from our home, in the province of Verona, region of Veneto.

On 25 May the wine makers of the area (and throughout Italy) will open there doors to visitors for the annual Cantine Aperte. It would be a perfect day to explore the area!

corner view

corner view :: wine

When I first arrived in Italy twelve years ago, I didn't know very much about wine...except that I didn't care for it all that much. Consider that I was exposed mostly to cheap supermarket Zinfandel (in a box!) before then, and it's not all that difficult to understand, is it?

Today, I only know a little more about wine, but I have grown to love and appreciate it...so much that I can't imagine my life without it. Therefore, I am never leaving Italy. Ha! How do you like that logic? It's a big jump, but I don't have time to rationalize my fallacies in this post.

I won't bore you with what I know because likely it will only lead to you thinking I'm some sort of wine snob, when, in fact, I am no kind of snob, wine or otherwise.

Good wine is wine that appeals to you. That's the simple truth to it.

I now live in a place where I have the opportunity to taste an incredible spectrum of wines, where the supply is generous and so are the people who surround me.

This is how I have come to be a regular wino with tastes for and opinions about wines. I drink them. A lot. I know what I like, and it is still not Zinfandel. But I must tell you, I have had good wine in a box; it was a lovely rose from Provence. And it was pretty cheap, too.

So...I've come full circle, haven't I? Back to cheap pink wine in a box! And travel to Provence.

Sounds logical to me.

I'm still not leaving Italy, though.
(Except to move to France, of course.)


Corner View is a weekly appointment shared by people around the globe, an appointment started in the spring of 2009 by Jane in Spain and currently hosted by Francesca over at Fuori Borgo. We welcome you to join us.

new year | new beginning

Vineyard in Province of Vicenza

One of my favorite things about the paese is that we experience the wonder of all four seasons here; nowhere is this more evident than in the vineyards that surround us. In the next few weeks the grapes will be harvested and the rich green leaves will change to the colors of a golden sunset before leaving the vines naked for the winter. After a long cold and foggy winter when the vines will appear frozen and dead,  the paese will explode with cherry and apricot blossoms, quite a while before I notice the new growth on the vines. Eventually, though, I will notice, and when I do, I will be filled with hope because of the potential of a new beginning as promised by Mother Nature. I believe that living in a place like this is good for my soul. I truly do.

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Tomorrow marks my seventeenth first day of school as an educator. I am filled with hope and ready for a new beginning.

the joy of the echo

These stainless steel tanks are used in the Prosecco making process in the Veneto area of Valdobbiadene. When you and I look at them, we see industrial vats -- gleaming and delightfully lined in a row, yet mostly functional. After first glance, we move on from them without a second thought, looking forward to a taste or two of the chilled sparkling drink.

A six year old inspects deep inside and discovers untapped potential.

It's quite exciting news and friends must be informed.

Soon five-year-old Mattia joins in the investigation and is equally delighted with the find.

A good find, my friend, a good find indeed.

Thus begins the impromptu concert, as the empty vats are fabulous echo chambers.

And honestly we were just happy they found a source of entertainment for a few minutes during our 

Prosecco tasting stop.

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I would just like to give a huge thanks to the kind and patient people at Le Bertole.  Not only did they open up shop for a tasting after posted working hours, they also tolerated our naughty kiddos with their obnoxious echo performance and sent us home with a gift. (Perhaps they were just happy to see us finally leave.)

I love Italy.

day tripping: colli euganei

Great weather. Italy. Spring.
Must be time to start the day trips.

Being nestled in these hills means all sorts of opportunities for spring exploits. The place is hopping, and so were we in the Cinquecento as we made our way to the nearby hills of Padova: the Colli Euganei.

The fist stop on Saturday was Villa Sceriman, where we sipped wine under a tent of wisteria before selecting some spirits to add to Richard's growing collection in his cantena. I never tire of the fact that I can purchase a pretty decent bottle of Cabernet Riserva (this one aged in oak barrels for two years) for under seven Euro in this country. LifeIsGood.

This, a bit of Asiago cheese, and a glass of wine .... perfect lunch. 

Hmm, looks like a good start of a play house, Mom.

I'll take the giant clear one on the bottom left, please.

I don't understand the fuss over the wine. I'll take Fanta any day.

Right NOW is the perfect time to visit Villa Sceriman as the wisteria is in bloom, likely full bloom by today. We were there at full sun time, and I just couldn't manage to photograph it. The canopy that covers the outside area is a sight to see; it will inspire you to kick back and stay for a while. The scenic drive through the Colli Euganei won't disappoint either.

If you are looking for a place for lunch or dinner in the area, you might try Il Cenacolo, which is housed in a carefully restored elementary school building;  it has proven to be excellent every single time. (Call ahead for reservations.)

We left so inspired that we went to day trip #2 on Sunday. More to follow :)

the night we slept in linen sheets

We have this friend, this American friend, this American friend who is a member of the Veneto Region Sommelier Association.  He says there are two types of people who go through the courses and tests to become official sommeliers:  those in the business of making, buying or selling wine and those, like him, who are simply enthusiasts.  He is a teacher by day and a wine connoisseur by night.  Friday night we attended a holiday dinner of this association as a guest of our friend and his wife.

This year the event was held at the Venetian villa Hotel Relais Monaco outside of Treviso.

The amount of glassware at this type of event is stunning. I drank from six different glasses throughout the evening; however, there wasn't a distinction between glasses for white or red, none of that fussy business.  No two types of beverage were served in the same glass, though.

We sat next to the table of the guy who serves as leader of the association.  Each time a new type of wine was introduced to the table, it first went to his table, where each person's glass was filled simultaneously.

Our very own sommelier served all wine for our table -- this fine gentlemen pictured above. Not a drop was spilled, even with his one-handed pour. He stood at attention behind us ready to fill glasses as they emptied.  Have we arrived in heaven?

The first dessert was served after midnight; there were seven courses in all and it was all pretty good, despite the kitchen having to feed the masses.   The event started at eight with a Prosecco reception where I had my first taste of Cartizze Prosecco. 

While the wine and dinner were a delight, the hotel was a real treat for us common folk.  We wisely chose to spend the evening at the hotel which hosted the dinner . . . a fancy smancy hotel.  Have you ever experienced the luxury of linen sheets?  We ARE in heaven.

No really. I mean FANCY.  European hotels post the room cost inside the room.  During the off season, however, we paid less that an third of the cost during high season, even quite a bit less than the posted low season rate.  It pays to stay in these places when no one is there, and the service is great.

You know, the kind of places with fancy carpets and chandeliers.

Those with well-appointed bars and club chairs.  We never stay in these kinds of places when we travel. It was fun to feel a bit like a regular Fancy Nancy for the evening.  I wish I could say I prefer our budget hotels and apartments to a place like this, but that just wouldn't be true.  Wouldn't you like to enjoy a cocktail a the bar above before retiring to your luxurious room?  Ahhh..... 

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Life is just about experiences.  This is one I'll remember for some time.  One might think that this would be quite a stuffy crowd.  This was not my impression at all.  I did not feel an air of pretentiousness from the people, nor from the staff at the hotel. No wine snobs present.  It was a pleasant surprise. In fact, my friend who went through the courses reports that the organization and individuals were always supportive of his efforts during the process.  Of course, he's a nice guy, so that helps.  Nice goes far in life, doesn't it?

Here's hoping for a bit of fancy in your life this holiday season!

bring the entertainment

About Young One. . . 

She can generally handle the occasional times that we drag her to events that are not necessarily kid-friendly, like tastings and tours at cantinas or long leisurely lunches.

And while I used to stress out when she would act like a kid . . . image!. . . I am now much better at taking it in stride, encouraging the fun in the otherwise "boring" outing.

Of course, the most important lesson I've learned in the six years she's been with us is to always, always, always bring the entertainment. Now that she is older, she selects the contents of the bag & is generally able to carry that bag. This cast of characters joined us on our adventures in Valpolicella yesterday. We tasted wines while she engaged in play with these guys or my with apps on my iPhone. Entertainment for big people and little people = key to successful day.

Additional images of our day can be found here.