This morning’s activities included a tour and tasting at Vietti’s winery here in Castiglione Falletto. Barolo has long been a favorite of this Gentleman Farmer, and a big part of this trip is getting better acquainted with where our food (and wine) come from. As the harvest is just finishing up, it was the perfect time to see the entire process, and even get a tiny taste of this year’s vintage, in the midst of its initial fermentation. Dinner last night included a gorgeous hunk of slow braised veal, cooked in Nebbiolo, and served on a bed of creamed potatoes. Accompanied, of course, by a glass (or possibly two) of Barolo.
Truffles are not everybody’s cup of tea, but I happen to like them very much. One of the great things that comes with visiting the Piedmonte at this time of the year is the availability of white truffles, which are the subject of a month-long festival in Alba. It’s almost embarrassing to watch as they shave an enormous pile onto your plate. But oh so delicious.