I was invited to go with the Juliao’s to Castello di Tagliolo, a castle and winery about an hour away in a small town for a wine tasting and food fair. The castle had been in the present owner’s family for about 500 years. The two other American families in the building accompanied us. The castle has a fascinating history and has 4 guest houses available that are very affordable.
Max, 5, and Gabe, 7, have taken to me very quickly. I was told I must sit between them in the car on the way to the castle. They played with their planes and I provided “runways” with my arms. We listened to some good American jams on the way. Gabe, the intense, competitive older of the two requested Nickelback whereas, easy going, always smiling Max requested Snoopy. The boys were making up dances which was pretty hilarious…..”the dead fish”, “the not again, and “communication”. Moe, the Marine reserve, father played DJ for us. Jeanne and Moe met in law school in New York and have been with the US Consulate for several years now…..first in Venezuela, then Columbia, and have been in Milan for 2 years now.
The castle was set on a mountain overlooking the village….so very scenic! Elaine and Henry, the second floor occupants, children Maggie, 9, and Sophia, 3, were one of the families that joined us. Bridget (wife/mother of third floor occupants) asked where Sophie came from since we didn’t track with them on the road and she stated simply “from my mom and dad”. I love children’s perspective and matter a fact ways. Maggie asked me some important questions like, “what’s your favorite color”, and “when is your birthday”? As it turns out, we have the same birthday, March 14th, at which point she asked me if I’m a Pisces. And her favorite color use to be pink but is now blue.
The kids went straight for the crepes with Nutella and scarfed them down on ancient stairs. I, of course, went straight for a goat cheese stand. It then sampled aged, and very expensive Balsamic vinegars. They were much more intense, thicker, and sweeter than what I was use to. The process they go through for these complex flavors is incredible….they move from larger barrels to smaller as years pass and the opening of the barrels is only covered by cheesecloth.
The fresh pesto samples were incredible, so were the jams, the vino, and the chocolates. The three families and me then headed to the village for a mom and pop type restaurant for some pasta. I had some amazingly fresh shrimp and fish ravioli.
Jeanne and Moe
Monkey Max
That night, Jeanne had a couple American families over for dinner. Another delicious meal of salami and cheeses from the castle, chicken and steaks, a loaded salad, and rice. The dessert of layers of berries, melon, and kiwi, whipped cream, and angel food cake drizzled in fresh lemon and limoncello. I can get use to this! But would really like to buy one plane ticket on the trip back.
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