Don and I have been biking together since 1977. We started in the Cotswalds in Britain and every other year negotiate a new trip. Since he was finishing up teaching at the Italian branch campus of St. Mary's College (of Maryland) in Alba, Italy, we decided I'd fly over and explore the Piedmont. It's in northern Italy, bordered by Milan and Turin.Poppies were in bloom, birds were chirping, and the river was moving fast. And Don graciously kept us to a slow pace.
Alba, Italy
But I didn't know until I arrived that Alba is in the middle of wine country!! Hearty, intense, dry, velvety red wine!!!
Asti and Alba are the two commercial towns in the area, and had a 1000 year feud over control of the vast vineyards (and feudal rent that they paid).
Alba was founded 1000 years ago and has a cathedral that dates back to 1200 and dozens of 14th century structures. The town has a long enclosed pedestrian mall which is filled with strolling people every night. The film festival was on while I was there, to be followed by the Alba music festival. Fabulous food.
I think Don got tired of my saying "Pat should be here!" Between the wine, the truffles, the organic vegetables, Italian cuisine, and Monaco just a drive away, this is a chef's dream come true.
Click on this map
Our wine tour started with Neive. I'm still wondering how a Macedonian Orthodox church ended up in ancient Neive, but we stopped and admired the 800 year old building. Barbaresco just reeks with charm. There is a 14th century chapel in Barbaresco that was converted (with lots of care) to a wine cellar. I tried some of the 2004 Barbaresco there. Would have loved to spend the afternoon eating and drinking.
