Wineries and Castles in Oltrepò - July 3, 2010

It's early July, and it's equatorially hot here in lower Lombardy. So what better time for a day trip, perhaps to cool off in the hills and... to share the experience with our old adventure companions?
No, I didn't mean wives and girlfriends, who would certainly have something to be offended about otherwise, but obviously our MGs, who in the summer suffer at least as much as we do from these sultry temperatures so typical of our region.

So, a cultural, wine, and culinary gathering—which took place on Saturday, July 3rd, against the backdrop of the Oltrepò Pavese hills—was an excellent idea, conceived and organized by Angelo Bernardi of the Lombardy Regional Center, along with his collaborators Arturo Frattini and Michele Ratti.
Although we only have one day, the program is quite extensive, despite the limited distance to cover. After a couple of meeting points to gather the crews from further afield, the first meeting is in Retorbido (a town near Salice Terme) at the Cantina del Marchese Ado, a winery that produces various wines, including typical local varietals such as Pinot Noir and Bonarda. After a brief tour of the autoclaves with a knowledgeable explanation of the production techniques, a rich aperitif awaits us, featuring not only... alcohol, but also cured meats such as the well-known DOC salami from Varzi, which is indeed quickly sold out!
We take our leave with satisfaction only after handing the Director our green Club pennant. We set off along the winding roads that will take us a little further up the mountain, seemingly tailor-made for our cars. By the way, there are 20 cars present, the lion's share of which is the "A" class with 12 cars, followed by the "B" class with 5, and the "C" class with 2. Among the others, the oldest and oldest in production is a "TC" that is over half a century old (it was built in Abingdon between 1946 and 1949). In fact, even when, as in this case, it is a simple day trip, the number of participants who have consolidated at our meetings is always around twenty regional members, while for the Mayflower in May the participation more than doubles, and in Mantua last year there were even almost 60 crews. And anyone who has organized a rally knows how many and what difficulties must be overcome with such a high number of cars.
Our caravan heads toward the hilltop village of Bosmenso, where we're welcomed for lunch by the helpful and kind staff of the Buscone Restaurant (also listed in the Michelin Guide). Typical local dishes include the famous ravioli with game sauce, cured meats, and exquisite, strictly local wine. Many of us take our business cards with us to pop back later...
During this pleasant, convivial moment, Angelo tells us about the next stop, Oramala Castle, a former residence of the Malaspina family that stands on a peak overlooking the surrounding valleys and the prominent town of Varzi, after which, to the south, lie the Penice and Brallo passes.
There's also an opportunity to talk a little about what we Lombards have achieved in terms of active participation in the club over the last two years. In two years, we've grown significantly, having added 20 more members, which is a significant number considering that the MG Car Club Italia has around 400 members throughout Italy. The work done by the team at our Regional Center is bearing fruit: there's growing interest in the initiatives we launch from time to time, there are new gadgets and clothing items that sell like hotcakes, and Angelo has to reorder them every time because they're not enough, and there's also a sense of belonging that's starting to emerge, which could lead to the club gaining ever greater visibility among both the media and classic car enthusiasts.
And there will be the Mayflower 2011 already scheduled for May 20-21-22, then two/three regional meetings that will be held next year, (not necessarily only in our region) and two biannual lunches or dinners organized to take stock of the state of the art of our initiatives.
We arrive at Oramala Castle, which, like many in the Oltrepò area—for example, Montalto Castle, which can be glimpsed in the distance—is privately owned. We therefore owe a huge thank you to the owner, whom Angelo contacted days earlier and whom we thank for his hospitality. He is a well-known Senator of our Republic, whom we're intentionally keeping anonymous, and who sent one of his "loyal" men especially for us to open the gates and show us around. There's a breathtaking view for anyone who's brave enough (and strong enough) to climb all the stairs and, after admiring the many rooms we pass, reach the terrace. And there's a small consecrated chapel in the courtyard, barely room for the priest and six other people at most. The celebrant, the bride and groom, and two witnesses on each side... Truly a unique experience, an unforgettable ceremony for anyone wishing to get married here...
It's late afternoon, and on the way back we pass Zavattarello and its famous castle (soon to be recognized by UNESCO). We visit it with a guide provided by the Mayor. Afterwards, we say goodbye and promise to see each other again in September. During the day, Angelo officially announced the new appointment of the CRLombardia team: Edina Maglio, wife of our member Andrea, who will be responsible for:
“Communications manager for CRLombardia events and meetings.”
See you in September, in Abruzzo and then with our friends in Romagna!
 
 
 
Peter Noah