Casa Forcellini
West of Acqui Terme
South of Asti, Piedmont
Casa Forcellini is situated in the foothills of the Langhe—an
area known for its exceptional wines, truffles, porcini
mushrooms and robiole cheese.
Matt Kramer, who published a book entitled, A Passion for
Piedmont, captures the essence of this region. “ Few
landscapes in Italy are more magical” and “It is Italy’s most
agriculturally potent land growing ingredients and wines of
stunning intensity and character.”
The approach to Casa Forcellini is in itself a magical journey
as one passes vineyards, stone walls that define properties,
stands of poplar trees and long winding country roads that
offer spectacular views of the countryside. The ascent to Casa
Forcellini heightens one’s curiosity of one's destination. You
will not be disappointed.
The terrazzo looms above ground supported by four white
columns. The stone wall that links the house to the barn
graces a semi-circular fountain that adds a soothing water
rhythm to this quiet sanctuary. At night, this fountain is
illuminated to create a play of light on the terrazzo and on
the aliantus tree (tree of heaven).
The entrance to this home is at the side. When one opens the
wooden and glass door, art graces every wall---from the
photographs of the area to the sketches, watercolour prints
and oil paintings, Piedmont is defined. Three of the six rooms
lead to the terrazzo. The remaining rooms look out onto a row
of hibiscus trees and a hazelnut orchard.
Cessole
This small community is comprised of two distinctive areas—the
old quartier that embraces the principal church on the
hillside and the homes that define the main road. Scattered
throughout the foothills are the farms and private homes of
local residents and itinerant residents.
Madonna Della Neve is a well-known restaurant that earned its
claim to fame by serving its delicious agnolotti on a
napkin—so exquisite they are that no sauce is needed to
enhance their taste. The location of Madonna Della Neve is
another one of its many merits. From a lofty foothill one can
attend Sunday church service at the chapel, then proceed to
the Madonna Della Neve’s café for an espresso or latte. Stay
longer and enjoy Sunday pranzo and of course, the famous,
unforgettable agnolotti.
Cessole’s Sanatmonica restaurant and pizzeria offers a variety
of delicious pizzas baked in a wood-burning oven. An
assortment of pastas, meat courses and desserts also await
discovery. Check with Bruno, the owner, to find out when the
fish and seafood night is offered.
On the outskirts of Cessole, at Quartino, one can enjoy the
varied fare at Frankino’s restaurant. The charming restaurant,
newly renovated, provides a lovely ambiance for good food and
simple pleasures.
We love to walk to Cessole from our home to buy locally made
bread. The descent is a joy. The ascent is a test of one’s
physical endurance. The winding road that offers views of
orchards, farmland, stands of trees and the ubiquitous
panoramic scenes make it all worthwhile.
Acqui Terme
This is truly an undiscovered jewel. This spa city offers a
number of therapeutic and esthetic treatments. Across the
street from the spa centre is a lake size pool. A sandbar
separates the shallow end from the deep end. Children love to
run under the two fountains that spray a gentle cascade of
water in the shallow end. The more expertise swimmers may
choose to dive off the various levels of diving boards.
Dotting the periphery of the pool are cafes, bars and lounging
areas.
A Roman acquaduct, an 11th century church cathedral and
enotecas that offer a wide variety of regional wines to
accompany any meal or occasion—these are only a few of its’
merits.
We love the restaurant, I Caffi. It will change your view of
what constitutes a spectacular, exquisite meal. I Caffi will
surpass your expectations and preconceived vision of fine
dining. Luncheon fare is offered at noon in the relaxed lower
level. Evening dining is offered on the elegant upper floor.
Pizzerias abound. Our favourite is Vecchio Borgo in the piazza
that is home to an impressive hot spring known as La Bollente.
Visconti is a gelateria located in a restored antique quartier.
The artistic, creative display of a variety of fruit sorbets
and ice creams invites you to try them all. One must read the
menu and absorb the colourful photos in order to appreciate
Visconti’s talents as ice cream maker and connoisseur of all
things gelato.
One can enjoy an espresso, latte macchiato, café freddo or a
variety of cool refreshing drinks in the main piazza that is
graced by the presence of a modern fountain of white marble.
Flanking it is a cascade of steps where water flows to the
base. Flowering shrubbery define the graceful slope of these
watery, marble steps.
The mercato on Tuesdays is a worthwhile adventure where fresh
local produce can be purchased. Textiles, clothing, household
items etc. are sold by gregarious vendors.
The Information Tourist Bureau will be happy to give you
brochures outlining the upcoming theatre events at Teatro Verdi. Operas, orchestras, musicals and dance
performances comprise a wonderful selection of outdoor entertainment under
starlit skies.
There is so much more to share regarding Acqui Terme but one
must make a pilgrimage to it in order to realize what a rare
jewel it truly is.
Alba
This lovely city is the white truffle capital of Piedmont and
is worthy of a journey. The spectacular landscape that
comprises the journey to Alba is a worthwhile and memorable
adventure. Shopping along the pedestrian-only area is
delightful. Explore, discover, enjoy.
Other Noteworthy Adventures
A lifetime of experiences await you in Bra, La Morra
(Belvedere Restaurant and a 180 degree view of the world),
Bubbio, Asti, Cuneo, Turin and the cities and towns that dot
the landscape. Festas, castles, cantinas, small hillside
towns, wine tastings, palios, restaurants and friendly,
animated citizens are only a part of the Piemontese
adventure—yours to savour.
There are white truffles in Alba in the fall. The Palio in Asti in
September and let's not forget the wines, wines and more wines: Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebiollo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Moscato,
Moscato di Asti, Roero d’ Arneis, and Brachetto to name just a
few.
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