One view on our walk |
Down the road at Capitignano |
Yesterday we hit the jackpot! We went to Castello Del Trebbio in the hills near Florence. Both wine and olive oil are produced there and it is steeped in history. We enjoyed a tour of the castle and cellars , had a wine tasting and shopped. The castle dates to the 12th century and once belonged to the Medici family. There is even a coat of arms (of the original owners) displayed by Donatello and a Raphael ( a replica of another of his paintings but drawn and partially painted by the artist himself but completed by other artists in his studio) hanging in the family's quarters which we got to visit. The vineyard produces Chianti, a white wine, vin santo and excellent olive oil. We learned that for olive oil to truly be extra virgin, the olives must be pressed within hours of picking. However, there is a way for producers to label oil extra virgin if they mix a certain percentage of the quickly pressed oil with oil that is pressed after the allotted period.
Castello Trebbio |
After tasting oil that was pressed on the estate within 5 hours of picking, I can attest to being able to tell the difference. Frankly, Betsy and I both have so enjoyed eating and cooking with olive oil that I think we'll be using it extensively in our kitchens at home. Both lunch and dinner at Capitignano, a salad of butter leaf lettuce and radichio is served to be dressed with balsamic and olive oil. It always seems perfect and is also healthy!
Old bottles of chianti..not in raffia anymore |
The monk keeps trying to converse with me and today we almost understood one another in French! Last evening, he left when we were going to dinner and he had on a Philadelphia Eagles tee shirt. I smiled and said, "Go, Philadelphia Eagles" to which he pumped his fist and said, "Score". Maybe he knows more English than we thought? His cell phone ring is the "call to post" at the Kentucky Derby...
Today Betsy did our first wash here. She used Rider's bathtub and did a soaking kind of wash and I hung things outside to dry on the clothesline. I do wonder how often these fellows have women's bras and panties on their line.
After a big storm in the early morning, the day is clear but windy and a bit cold. We did have a need for a sweater...just when we thought we wouldn't.
PS. Strangely enough, I had read about Castello Del Trebbio in the wine book from Total Wine. While we were there, I kept thinking this name sounds familiar and I had brought the pages about the Tuscan wines with me and found the reference when we got back. The Castello Del Trebbio Chianti purchased at the vineyard is only about $3.00 a bottle cheaper than in the US.
Once again I am thoroughly enjoying "Travels with Rider and His Grandma". Getting ready to receive a new sofa with reclining seats (so-o-o-o-o senior citizen LOL) for our small FR. It will be a challenge getting it through the kitchen and into its new space.
ReplyDeleteKeep Enjoying the Amazing Adventures in Italy.
Leslie