[13] A good example is Civita de Bagnoregio. Perched on a pinnacle in a grand canyon, the traffic-free village of Civita is for me, Italy's classic hill town.
[14] Entering the town, you're enveloped in history. Passing under a 12th-century arch, you enter another world. Every lane tells a story.
[15] On the main square, the church marks the spot where first an Etruscan temple, and then later a Roman temple, once stood. Ancient pillars from those pagan temples stand like giants' bar stools in front of the latest place of worship to occupy this spot.
[21,] For me, exploring a town like Civita is a cultural scavenger hunt. There are countless towns like this throughout Italy with similarly subtle charms. A fancy wooden door and windows lead to thin air. This was the facade of a Renaissance palace — which fell into the valley riding a chunk of the town's ever-eroding rock pinnacle. Pondering the view, you're reminded that slowly but surely this town will succumb to the march of geological time.
[22,] Civita is adapting to the modern world. As its permanent population dwindles, it's becoming a weekend escape for wealthy urbanites. The families that stay are catering to visitors.
[] To enrich your experience, be an extrovert...poke around...talk to people. [italian] The olive mill Maurizio's grandfather once ran is now the centerpiece of his restaurant...and he's is happy to tell me how they made their olive oil.
Transcribe
[24] A good bruschetta is simple: bread toasted over the coals...., garlic, tomatoes, salt and oil. Enjoying a rustic bruschetta is a fine way to cap a visit to a rustic village like Civita de Bagnoregio.
[35] Just up the street, at La Vena di Vino wine bar, Bruno and Lucio devote themselves to the wonders of wine. They share their vino and their love of music with a fun-loving passion. Each day this wine-sipping duo open 6 or 8 bottles of the best local wine and serve it to the local gang with a charismatic flair.
This is your chance to compare two favorite Tuscan reds: Brunello di Montelcino and Super Tuscan with the help of a good teacher.
Brunello di Montelcino is traditional wine in Tuscany. It's made with Sangiovese grapes, it's only Sangiovese grapes. Sangiovese grosso from Montelcino- traditional – aged 5 years
Rick: So the Brunello is all Sangiovese?
Bruno: Only Sangiovese
Rick: So explain to me the Super Tuscan
Bruno: Super Tuscan is Tuscan wine but with international grapes; cabernet, merlot, syrah. It's possible with Sangiovese grapes
Rick: So it's open for creativity; a little Tuscan, a little French, a little Spanish. Who knows?
[38] Tuscan wines are some of the tastiest and most famous in Italy. Wines are particular to their village. The characteristics of the soil, temperature, and exposure to sun make each wine — even if made from the same Sangiovese grape — unique.
Find out more about Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy