WHERE TO EAT
TENUTA DEGLI ANGELI Via P. Fontana Roux, 5 – Carobbio degli Angeli – Fraz. San Stefano www.tenutadegliangeli.it
Pierangelo Testa began growing grapes and olives in Valle Calepio in Carobbi in 1984. Today Tenuta degli Angeli is run by his wife, Manuela, and their children, who produce award-winning wines such as Colle degli Angeli, a moscato, and Brut degli Angeli, a sparkling chardonnay, as well as olive oil. Their acetaia is unique in Lombardy, using aromatic grape must to produce balsamic vinegar. The barrels used to mature the vinegar are made from mulberry, chestnut, oak and cherry wood. The Balsamo degli Angeli is matured for 12, 30 and 50 years. I tasted 30-year-old balsamic vinegar with cheeses and meats and a homemade savoury jam made from large lemonlike citrus fruits called cedri. The latest innovation is chocolates flavoured with balsamic vinegar. Visits cost just £7 for a half day.
ALBERGO RISTORANTE SELVATICO Via Silvio Pellico, 19 – Rivanazzano www.albergoselvatico.com
This is a family-run restaurant which has been operating since 1912. The family believe in offering seasonal and traditional dishes from the area, all served in a traditional restaurant. The Ristorante Selvatico is mentioned in the Italian Michelin guide. I had salami from Varzi, gnocchi made with herbs, and a delicious dessert of pastry, apple and zabaglione. This meal was accompanied by three Oltrèpo Pavese wines, which the manager enjoys talking about. The restaurant is closed on Sunday evenings and on Mondays.
THE WINE AND FOOD ROUTES OF GARDA AND OLTREPÒ PAVESE www.viniesaporidilombardia.it
These provide itineraries for day trips by car or bike to wineries and oil mills. In addition it is possible to search for events, foods and wines of interest to build your own itinerary, such as the Varzi Salami festival in June.