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After a whirlwind drive,and arriving in Piedmont region in the dark. It was time for dinner. It was at l'osteria Bel Teatro amd we had, Tagliere di formaggi amongst a fabulous chicken flavoured entree (can't remember the dish for this). The pasta was heavenly, with Pio Cesare Barbera which was smooth and easy to go with food. The desert Panna Cotta was out of this world, and the phrase 'MMmmmmmm' couldn't have been more apt!
It was rise and shine and straight to our first tasting of the trip, at Matteo Correggia! Located at the Roero region, it is not as widely known as Barbaresco and Barolo but Roero region is slowly gaining recognition.
Chalk beneath the house, constantly moist and at a cool temperature, the idea conditions for wine!
The next stop: Gaja. Located at Barbaresco town, there is literally just one street cutting across the slopes. With just 600 inhabitants, this is one of the smallest towns in Italy (or in the world?) and Angelo Gaja is famous for all things Italian wine. Angelo is fourth generation in the line of Gajas and he has perhaps made the most significant contribution of them all by introducing cutting edge techniques in the vineyard and in the cellars. Believing that only the best will do, Gaja would conduct green harvest of 50% or more of the crop, to the disbelief of their neighbours. Gaja has also refused to vinify grapes if he thinks it's no up to his standard. Other idiosyncrasies included introduction of Red worms from USA to aid soil regeneration as well as planting crops closer than the norm to encourage them to compete. Gaja also experimented with new world varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon much to the dismay of his Dad Giovanni (but Gaja senior let Angelo experiment anyway).The famous wine is called Darmagi, which translate to 'what a shame' or 'pity', mentioned frequently by Gaja senior!
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