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A second day in Langhe:
Hazelnuts,
wine tasting and cheese production
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Giorgio and Maurizio
were picking us up at 9:00 am, so we had to get up a little
earlier than yesterday. We weren't going to miss that breakfast
spread, despite a day of excess yesterday! We got the best
table in the restaurant and had a little spare spare afterwards
to admire the stunning scenery once again before we left. |
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Our first stop was at
the family run Cascina Barroero hazelnut farm. Located in
a quiet, rural location, it looked idyllic. We were greeted
by one of the owner's daughters, who spoke excellent English
and gave us a comprehensive tour. We were also introduced
to other members of the family. We heard all about the complexity
of growing hazelnuts, how they are harvested, stored and
finally turned into a range of products. The entire process
takes place right here. At the end of the tour, we got to
taste a selection of their delicious range. It was clear
that the whole family is passionate about what they do and
love telling people about it. There was also absolutely
no pressure on us to buy anything, although we couldn't
resist a small purchase! |
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Farm dogs Rosina
and Linda |
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Being a Sunday, the
bakery was quiet, but the range of equipment was impressive. |
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The hazelnuts are
carefully graded. |
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Father and another
daughter having a morning off with their horses. |
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Tasting... where
to start! |
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Accommodation is
available on the farm for guests. |
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We were sad to leave,
but it was time to move on. Our car for today was a little
smaller than the one we had yesterday, but still comfortable. |
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After only having private
tours and tastings so far, we were slightly put out when
we found that we had to share the wine tasting here with
around twenty others, all of whom had arrived on motorbikes
and were knocking back the wine, rather than tasting it.
The host was good and clearly knew her stuff, but she spoke
at length in Italian first, before turning to us and giving
a much shorter explanation in English. The wines weren't
bad and there was plenty of food served with it, but it
just took a bit longer than we would have liked. Pleasant
enough probably best describes our experience. We were interested
to hear that their sole supplier in the UK is Adnams of
Southwold, so we'll keep a look out for their wines when
we are next there! |
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Here, we were reminded
of the passion and enthusiasm shown by the owners of the
hazelnut farm this morning. Silvio is equally passionate.
Giorgio had to work hard to translate everything he said,
because it was quite clear that he really wanted to share
everything about his life, his sheep and his cheesemaking
with us. |
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We were intrigued
by the rustic cottage in the garden.
Later, we were delighted to discover that it is where he entertains
visitors like us! |
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Inside the cottage
was a table set for us. |
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More delicious food
and drink! |
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Silvio and Giorgio
in deep discussion. |
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After a fascinating day,
it was time to return to our hotel, say goodbye to Giorgio
and Maurizio for the last time and get ready for dinner...
yes, really!
This is the route we had
travelled today (in a clockwise direction). |
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Our last meal in the
DaMa' restaurant (menu here).
Geoff had the asparagus and prawns with hollandaise sauce
to start (after seeing Bruce's last night), followed by
the fish of the day (turbot) and the hazelnut tiramisu.
Bruce had a lovely looking caprese salad to start, followed
by tagliatelle with sausage ragout and a repeat of last
night's ice cream for dessert. |
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As we dined, we were
treated to this spectacular sunset. |
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Hazelnut tiramisu |
Ice cream (hazelnut, fior di
latte and chocolate) |
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Complimentary limoncello! |
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