2geonomads

Wednesday 4th June 2014.

 Today is the day we have set aside to explore the region to the south of Asti, including Alba and at  Maurizio’s suggestion we follow the wine trail to visit such small towns as Govone, Priocca, Magliano Alfieri, Castagnito, Neive and Barbaresco. The last-mentioned is the most touristy of the region, with many, Germans, Belgians and Dutch in evidence. The glorious scenery in this part of Piemonte never ceases to amaze us and with the notable exception of Barbaresco it’s a welcome change to be able enjoy the sights without hordes of tourists.

Alba is a delightful town,more impressive than Asti and we enjoy lunch and a glass of the local wine in the main square. Whilst Alba is best known for the wines and truffles in this area it has much to offer with its cobbled streets, medieval towers and Renaissance and Baroque palaces.

With the weather gods once more smiling on us we take a pleasant stroll around the town before heading south towards Diano d’Alba. Our route then takes us north-east to Canelli through still more stunning scenery, on to Nizza Monferrato and finally Rochetta Tanaro where we buy some wine from the Cantine Post Dal Vin winery. The owners are friends of Maurizio and he buys his wine for the agriturismo from them. He had visited the winery earlier in the day to tell them of our possible visit and they made us very welcome. We purchased two bottles of their best red and we ended up with a bonus bottle of red and a bottle of sparkling wine , both gratis.

The usual fine meal from Mara finishes off another thoroughly enjoying day in this surprisingly unheralded part of Italy.

Cheers

The Obese Ferret.