An all-Piedmontese weekend among vineyards, gastronomy and a giant bench overlooking Castelnuovo Don Bosco
Piedmont is a region rich in unique places and products. We suggest an itinerary to discover a very particular Doc, a stop in Cocconato for the famous robiola and a special address for Piedmontese mixed fry.
Albugnano, the Monferrato terrace and the Albugnano 549 Association
549 for the altitude of the Albugnano hill, which inspired the name of the association that brings together the producers of this particular DOC of Alto Nebbiolo Monferrato, DOC obtained in 1997.
The 549 Producers' Association was founded in 2017 to promote the oenological, historical and cultural identity of the Albugnano Doc production area.
Association made up of 13 farms, all based in Albugnano, Aramengo, Castelnuovo Don Bosco and Moncucco.
Castelnuovo Don Bosco, a visit to the Tamburnin Estate
The town of Castelnuovo is known for being the birthplace of San Giovanni Bosco and for the presence of the sanctuary dedicated to the saint.
From the state road, before arriving at the crossroads leading to Tenuta Tamburnin, only a few dozen acacia trees can be seen accompanying guests to the estate; it seems there are more than 150 in total. In spring a real joy for bees. Once you enter this imposing tree-lined avenue you will be fascinated, because it seems to never end. It is a truly suggestive road and in this early autumn it is still possible to organize an excursion on two wheels, for those who love the genre. The hills between Castelnuovo Don Bosco and Albugnano offer breathtaking views.
Tamburnin estate it is the ideal place if you are looking for a romantic place, an escape from the chaos of the city: the alarm clock with the crowing of the rooster and the sparrows perched on the window chirping.
Breakfast in the orangery overlooking the garden and Castelnuovo Don Bosco, already immersed in the autumn mist these days, is a true poem.
At Tamburnin you can book a wine tasting, including Albugnano Doc (100% Nebbiolo) which here develops very special aromas, including ripe red fruits and spices, with a nice minerality.
The visit to the cellar is interesting and instructive; for future spouses the possibility of renting the location for the wedding.
Don't miss the Big Bench n ° 38 which is located right inside the Tamburnin vineyards, with a beautiful view of Castelnuovo Don Bosco and its hills.
The Big Benches are a project by Chris Bangle and his wife Catherine, started in 2010 with the first Big Red Bench, the n ° # 1, installed in Clavesana, in the province of Cuneo (town of residence of the artist and his wife) . Since then, a total of 117 giant benches have been created to admire the beauty of the area from highly panoramic points.
Cocconato and Coconà robiola
Cocconato is universally known for its excellent Robiola Coconà (the Robiola di Cocconato): a soft cheese made exclusively with whole cow's milk, lactic ferments, rennet and salt. It is among the products selected by the PAT (Italian Agri-food Products). Few dairies in the area that produce it. We point out Caseificio Balzi, Foino Tabiella road n ° 8, Cocconato (AT). In Asti to enjoy cheeses and other food and wine delicacies we also recommend Borgo Affinatori and Fucci Formaggi.
The best Piedmontese mixed fry a stone's throw from Albugnano
Conrado restaurant in Berzano di San Pietro (At)
One of those restaurants with an air of yesteryear. It recalls the trattorias of the 70s and 80s, when you went out for lunch on Sundays with the whole family: endless menus, at 3.30 pm still sitting at the table chatting, the children playing in the courtyard of the piola.
The restaurant offers traditional Piedmontese dishes such as Russian salad, veal with tuna sauce or battuta di Fassone (among the starters); among the first, the agnolotti alla Cavour (agnolotti stuffed with a mixture of sausage, roast veal, brains and vegetables). And obviously the Piedmontese mixed fry, complete, with savory and sweet proposals: warm, fragrant, truly unmissable. To be served with a glass of Albugnano Doc.
Conrado Restaurant, via Roma, 12, Berzano di San Pietro (AT), telephone 347005 5768
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