Geoff Brock & Bruce Gamble
         
     
   
 
 
 

A second day in Langhe: Hazelnuts,
wine tasting and cheese production

Sunday, 12th May 2019
 
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.
 
 
 
 
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!
 
 
 
 
Farm dogs Rosina and Linda
 
Being a Sunday, the bakery was quiet, but the range of equipment was impressive.
 
The hazelnuts are carefully graded.
 
 
Father and another daughter having a morning off with their horses.
 
Tasting... where to start!
 
 
Accommodation is available on the farm for guests.
 
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.
 
 
 
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!
 
 
 
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.
 
 
 
 
 
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!
 
Inside the cottage was a table set for us.
 
 
 
More delicious food and drink!
 
 
 
Silvio and Giorgio in deep discussion.
 
 
 

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).

 

 

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.
 
 
As we dined, we were treated to this spectacular sunset.
 
Hazelnut tiramisu
Ice cream (hazelnut, fior di latte and chocolate)
Complimentary limoncello!
 
 
 
©Geoff Brock and Bruce Gamble