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Hidden Treasure of the Month!
February, 2005 - Piedmont Region
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Everyone seems to know about Tuscan landscapes... and, of course, Rome's Colesseum and Venice's canals are on the top of everyone's minds, as well. However, one of Italy's most attractive and seductive regions is often overlooked by many travelers when planning a visit to Italy.
This month's Hidden Treasure is in the Piedmont (literally, "at the foot of the mountains") region, in the north-west of the Italian peninsula... less than one hour south of Turin and barely more than an hour-and-a-half by car from Milano. We are talking about the intriguing rolling countryside surrounding the city of Alba, strategically situated between two of the most prestigious wine growing areas in the world: Barolo and Barbaresco.
 Sunset view from wine cellar of the Cascina delle Rose
Some of Italy's most extraordinary landscapes are to be found among the hills and vineyards of both the official Barolo and Barbaresco wine producing districts. The green, vine-covered hills and hill-top villages are spectacular enough by themselves... but what makes it all even more breathtaking is the skyline backdrop of the snow-covered Alps which stretch across the entire horizon as you look to the west. Simply awe inspiring.
 View of Barbaresco hills from the terrace of the Cascina delle Rose
This area is called Le Langhe, and is renown not only for is famous wines - Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Dolcetto, and, yes, even Asti Spumanti! - but also for one of most unique and intriguing delicacies to be found anywhere in the world: the white truffles of Alba! Every autumn, gourmets and connoisseurs from around the globe congregate to this region to sample the gastronomic delights of this very special product in this very special season.
One of our favorite places to stay in this area is located outside the small village of Barbaresco, just a few kilometers north-east of Alba. It is called the Cascina delle Rose. Giovanna, together with her husband, Italo, are independent wine producers, and she admirably manages her grandparents' farm and bed & breakfast single-handedly to the benefit of guests who are looking for a home away from home in the green hills of Piedmont.
 Front court yard of the Cascina delle Rose
As described by Nicole Franchini in the Karen Brown guide, "The mustard-colored house backed by striped hillsides has a separate guest entrance. A large informal living room filled with books and local wine itineraries includes a corner kitchen where guests sit at a table for a self-service breakfast. Upstairs are the three country-style bedrooms. The pink room has twin beds and a vineyard view while the green and blue rooms have queen beds. They each have immaculate bathrooms, and are decorated with grandmother's lace curtains, old photographs, brass beds, and patchwork quilts. Four similarly appointed apartments are situated on two floors in a wing off the main house."
In addition, Giovanna and Italo are always pleased to give their guests a tour of their private cellars, as well as to arrange informal tastings of their own wines, including Barbaresco, Barbera, and Dolcetto varieties. By the way, their 2001 Barbera is definitely the single best Barbera wine that we have ever enjoyed!
 Giovanna and Mariella
To learn more about what this exceptional region has to offer - including our favorite local restaurants and other charming accommodations options - just call or e-mail Mariella.
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