Friday:
After the mandatory “Champagne” stop, lunch awaited at Maître Restaurateur Ruth Montereale’s “Conca Bella” restaurant in Vacallo/TI.

In the evening, we arrived at the “Villaggio Narrante Fontanafredda - Mirafiore” in Serralunga d’Alba. In these historic buildings, which date back to the reign of King Victor Emmanuel II, we were particularly impressed by the guided tour of the imposing ancient cellars. They house 2.5 million bottles of Barolo and represent around 6% of all the Basso Piemonte’s DOC and DOCG appellation wines. Dinner at the “Fontanafredda” bistro concluded our long day of travelling.

Saturday:
Tour of the picturesque medieval town of Alba, famous for its truffles and Nebbiolo, as well as other culinary delights. We immersed ourselves in the bustling atmosphere of the market in the old town. We couldn’t come here without a tour of one of the many enoteche (wine shops). A traditional lunch at “L’Osteria Del Vignaiolo” in La Morra finished off the morning.

In the evening, dinner was all about “Acqua dolce” (freshwater) fish at the “Ristorante Locanda de Pilone M1” high up in the Alba hills. The panoramic views and sunset over the vineyard landscape of Piedmont, and Langhe in particular, helped us forget the heat somewhat.

Sunday:
Presentation and tasting of some impressive wines with Marco Bonfante in Nizza Monferrato. Marco is passionate about his winegrowing. Every year, the wines made using the “appassimento” method are given a new label. He also produces all of Monferrato’s typical red and white wines. The vineyard on the “Bussia” hill in Monforte d’Alba produces his full-bodied, complex Barolo. Marco managed to convey his enthusiasm for the wines of Piedmont brilliantly. A totally unique experience.

Lunch was served at the “Ristorante Piccola Torre” in Nizza Monferrato.

An incredibly professional guided tour, with tasting, followed at “Distillerie BERTA” in Mombaruzzo. In these cellars, 3 million litres of fine grappa are stored in wooden casks and barrels.

Dinner at the “Hosteria dai Musi” on the Piazza Michele Ferrero in Alba rounded off the day, with some wonderful culinary highlights: “Battuta al Coteletto - Salmerinio et Verdurine in Carpione - Ravioli del Plin - Tonno di Coniglio Arrosto”, and a sweet treat to finish, “Il Bunet”.

Our meals were all served with the region’s typical wines - Nebbiolo, Grignolino, Barbera and Dolcetto - as well as Arneis di Roero, Cortese di Gavi and Moscato d’Asti.

Monday:
The journey home took us through the regions of Roero, Langhe and Montferrato and Centovalli. Our final lunch was with Agnese, our Maître Rôtisseur Honoraire Adriana and the new hosts Eloa Geiser and Yanick Walker at the “Ristorante Stazione” in Intragna/TI, bringing our culinary journey to an end.

Jacques Sinz
Bailli Honoraire
Officier Commandeur

Photos: Ivo Steiner, Grand Officier, Commandeur