I left Alba in the morning of July 2, heading southeast towards Acqui Terme (province of Alessandria). A friend of mine was waiting for me in a small town called Cremolino and I was supposed to arrive late in the afternoon. I had the entire day in front of me and I really did not want to leave the Langhe. So, I stopped in the town of Castiglione Falletto where the day before I met the chef Maria Cristina and her husband, owners of a restaurant. I stayed for lunch in their restaurant on top of the hill where the castle of Castiglione Falletto is located. The view from the terrace of the restaurant is breath taking.
The menu and Maria Cristina's passion for local cuisine and for her land is also breath taking!
Here is what I tasted:
- ciciarielli in carpione (a small type of fish)
- peperoni ripieno di parmigiano, salsa d'acciuga e capperi (see next picture)
- La brandade di baccala (con olive e patate)
- tajerin ai primi funghi porcini di stagione (see next picture)
La Piazza in the town of La Morra
I visited the restaurant cellar where all the greatest Barolo labels are peacefully resting and maturing, waiting to be enjoyed by a fortunate customer.
The town of Castiglione Falletto is not to be missed. A small medieval intriguing village, very well kept. I was lucky enough to tour it with a friend who is also a tour guide and owner of the local Hotel.
After an awakening double espresso, in the 35 degrees heat, I hit the road ready to "attack" those few km of distance to Cremolino (about 80 km).
My little Ford Ka has air conditioning and I was really driving in comfort. I passed by the area of "Alte Langhe" called "alte" because of their altitude. Here we are close to mountains and the grape cannot grow successfully.
But..fear no more.. after a few km I was surrounded again by vineyards. This is the region of several other grape varieties:
- Dolcetto, a well known local grape which makes an intense red wine, fresh, acidic, tannic and a bit bitter on the finish.
- Brachetto, a sweet delicacy, slightly sparkling with wonderful roses and strawberry both on the nose and in the mouth.
- And lots more: Barbera, Freisa, Moscato.
I arrived in Cremolino around 6 pm. I am planning to stay 4-5 days here as a guest in this wonderful country home with a terrace overlooking the hills of this area called "Acquese" because it is in the territory of Acqui Terme.
