Embracing Piemonte: A Toast to Two Decades of Love
Nestled in the embrace of rolling hills and verdant landscapes lies Piemonte, a region synonymous with culinary artistry, storied vineyards, and the kind of enduring love stories that novels are made of. As Hortensia and I set foot on this fertile land, we carried with us over twenty years of shared memories, each one a thread in the tapestry of our life together.
Our journey began with a single picture, a candid capture that spoke volumes of our voyage. There we were, side by side, with the weekend upon us and the promise of Piemonte’s treasures at our fingertips. The light in our eyes was reflective of the early morning sun—bright and full of potential, reminiscent of our wedding day in August 2004. We’ve aged since then, like fine wine, gaining complexity and depth, our bond deepening with each passing year.
This trip was a celebration, not just of the land’s beauty but of the culinary adventures that awaited us. Our first encounter was with a dish that held the essence of Piemonte in its simplicity and elegance—a classic steak tartare. It was a dish that required trust in the quality of its ingredients, much like the trust we’ve built in each other. Topped with a delicate arrangement of fresh greens, the tartare was a vibrant mosaic of texture and flavor, a harmonious blend that parallels the life we’ve cultivated together.
The gastronomic delight was only enhanced by the wines we chose to accompany it. The first was a Barolo from Ettore Germano, vintage 2018. This Barolo, with its rich garnet hues, was a testament to the tradition of winemaking in Piemonte. Its aroma wafted through the air, carrying with it whispers of cherry and rose, and an earthy undertone that paid homage to the white truffles of the region. Each sip revealed a story of the land, a tale of time-honored methods and a terroir that demands respect. The wine was not just a drink but a narrative—one that complemented the freshness of our tartare, much like how our individual stories have merged into one.
As our weekend unfolded, we uncorked another regional gem, a Barbaresco from Negro Giuseppe, vintage 2019. While Barolo is often seen as the more austere sibling, Barbaresco is lauded for its approachable finesse. Its bouquet was a delicate yet confident array of red fruits, laced with subtle hints of spice. The tannins whispered rather than shouted, suggesting that, like us, this wine had many more years to reveal its full glory.
These wines, each with their own distinct personality, were reflective of our two decades together. The Barolo was bold and assertive, much like the early years of our relationship when we were defining our path. The Barbaresco, on the other hand, was nuanced and graceful, akin to how we’ve learned to navigate life’s complexities with poise and adaptability.
Piemonte offered us more than a backdrop for our celebration; it provided a sensory experience that intertwined with our narrative. The region’s wines, each sip layered with history and passion, became a metaphor for our years together. Each vintage told a story of weathered storms and sunny days, of patient aging and the rewards it brings.
The landscape of Piemonte, with its undulating hills and expansive vineyards, was reminiscent of the journey Hortensia and I have taken. There have been peaks and valleys, moments of exhilaration coupled with times of quiet introspection. The soil here, rich and fertile, mirrored our own lives, enriched by experiences and moments that have allowed us to grow together.
As we traversed through the quaint streets and savored the local cuisine, we were reminded that, like the vineyards, our relationship has been tended with care and love. We have nurtured it, celebrated its peaks, and learned from its less bountiful seasons.
In sharing this journey with you, our dear readers, we hope to impart a flavor of Piemonte and a taste of what it means to travel not just geographically, but through life with a partner. It is a voyage of continuous discovery, where the familiarity of decades is complemented by new experiences, and where love, like wine, only gets better with time.
As we raise our glasses to the setting sun, we toast to Piemonte, to its food and wine, and to the years we have shared. Here’s to the next twenty years, may they be as full-bodied and satisfying as the Barolo, as elegant and surprising as the Barbaresco, and as rich and memorable as every dish and every moment we have enjoyed in this beautiful corner of Italy.
Cheers, from Hortensia and me, to love, to life, and to the endless journey ahead.
