This is Valtellina in northern Lombardy. The valley was formed by
the river Adda, which runs through it and flows into the lake.The
architecture is fairly ordinary but the steep towering mountains are
impressive. On a trip there earlier this year, I was to learn of four
special delights that were produced there - two to eat and two to
drink.
[...]
My final stop on the grape tour was Arturo Pelizzatti Perego, easy
to find because high up in the vineyard terraces, reminiscent of the
Hollywood sign, in giant letters is the name "Pelizzatti".
He had a brush with multi-nationalism when a Swiss consortium bought
up the business but he has been able to reacquire some of it. He now
concentrates on producing quality wines. He didn't sell any for a
few years in order to allow it to age and produce optimum vintages.
My resolve cracked and I bought three bottles which are now ageing
further under my stairs in London.
His daughter, Isabella, is very knowledgeable about viniculture and
is keen to take over the business and continue the tradition.
[...] It was a great pleasure to discover the many tastes of Valtellina.
I hope these hard working long established family firms will go on
producing these fine foods and wine for many generations to come.
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