This morning we headed for Anghiari, a walled hill town just over the border in Tuscany. Steep alleys led to doorways ringed with potted flowers. The town was restored in 1902 and again in 2000-2004. We visited the internationally renowned Busatti linen weaving factory. Their showrooms were to die for! House wares, bedding etc.
After cappuchino in the piazza, we drove to the Ravigni Olive Mill, which has been producing top quality olive oil since 1421. The current manager, Francesco, showed us around his family's mill, which of course was not producing oil in May. Most of the oil is pressed in Nov.-Dec. when the olives are ripe. The mill uses old stone wheels to press the oil from green and black olives which is brought to the mill by independent producers. Ravigni produces excellent pure and flavoured oils, honey vinegar, olive oil soap, and other related products. We enjoyed a "tasting" of the different oils and vinegars, accompanied by bread, truffle paste, panzanella (bread salad), wine, VinSanto and grappa. A good time was had by all! Francesco was an entertaining and personable taste and tour leader.
We proceeded to San Sepulchro where we saw another Piero della Francesca fresco and other 14-15th century works, and a church built in 1012. The day ended with a truffle tasting in Citta di Castello, another walled hilltown, with all sorts of truffle pastes, spreads, in cream sauce over polenta, and in cheese. Then back to Maridiana to relax and head for bed early.
No comments:
Post a Comment