A German Easter

I must apologize for the lack of updates and assurances after the terrible earthquake last week. I have been very busy recently, first attending Vinitaly in Verona then heading to Germany for Easter. First, Vinitaly is like Disneyland for wine lovers. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but once I developed a strategy I never wanted to leave. Imagine 4 convention centers put together, all dedicated and filled to the brim with Italian wine producers, all with plenty of tastings to offer.

Below is a classmate and myself enjoying the Piemonte area. Then taking a break...preparing to enter the Veneto (which is that entire building on the left)
After returning from Vinitaly and one day of class, I left for Germany. I went home with a classmate to Saarlouis, a small town near the French border. It was very relaxing and her family was very hospitable, I enjoyed some good homecooking, and a nice change in scenery. We took several day trips into the Mosel area for some great Riesling and spent a lot of time with a beverage in the very welcome sunshine. Germany was great and I would love to return, but after 8 days and a very uncomfortable night train, it was nice to come back home to Italy.

Aceto Balsamico

Last week was pretty calm after returning from Sicily. It was mostly filled with a class on how to "Brand" so my project was creating an imaginary agriturismo in the hill country and I must say, everyone wanted to go there by the time I was through making it up. I guess my branding strategy worked! One day was spent on a stage for Balsamic Vinegar, which can only be produced in the provinces of Reggio Emilia and Modena, bordering Parma. It was very low key compared to other stages, we saw the barriques and learned about the process, had lunch, and basta. I do have to say, if you've never tried real traditional balsamico, please do at least once in your life. It is not the brown watery stuff that is sold in grocery stores for $1.50. The real stuff has the consistency of syrup, it is sweet, acidic, and complex. The problem is that it is also expensive. But if you ever get the opportunity, please take it. Or next time you're visiting the Wolf house, ask for a taste of the stuff. Other happenings- I stayed in Parma for the weekend and participated in "family dinner" on Sunday afternoon. My contribution was some good southern gravy. I think I made some fans. Thanks Grandpa! (from whom my mad gravy skills came)