You really can’t eat too many orecchiette, can you? I LOVED the classic, homey orecchiette they served us last night at the beautiful Vallone winery after we tasted a vertical of Graticiaia — the Amarone-style Negroamaro that many Apulians call “the greatest wine” from their region. The hand-rolled dumplings were dressed with a fresh tomato sauce and freshly grated ricotta salata. Delicious…
The Castello di Serranova — home to the Vallone winery and a vibrant “living” castle — was in full bloom. Gorgeous.
It was fascinating to talk with Vallone enologist Graziana Grassini (above, second from left, photo by Jedi wine blogger Ryan) who is now — news to me — the enologist at Sassicaia (since last year). She was mentored by Giacomo Tachis and I was riveted by her anecdotes about him (more on that later).
Not much time for blogging today: we tasted 60 competing wines this morning and we have another 40 to taste this afternoon before we head out to dinner this afternoon…
Stay tuned!
Do Bianchi 
Graticciaia is one of my favourite red wines from Puglia. It’s so elegant for that hot weather. Have a good trip, af
@Consumazione great to see you here man! :) The 1994 Gratticiaia was INSANE!
now THAT’S some southern italian architecture.
You should have seen the knockers on the front door! ;)