Distance: 51km Total Ascent: 600m
A beautiful ride on gentle rolling hills through the towns of Ovada and Novi Ligure, arriving in our final destination, Gavi. Gavi, as legend has it was named after the Saracen word for princess. The town has survived a tumultuous history having been settled in Neolithic time, invaded by Romans, Magyars, Saracens and French-Savoy troops as well as being sold at one point and assigned to the kingdom of Sardinia at another.
We cycled out of Acqua Terme under overcast skies and, after about 12km, I vanned up to the first regroup and coffee stop at Montaldo Bormida.
Onwards through the vineyards to a light lunch at Comune di Capriata D'Orba.
Then it was on our merry way to the Villa Sparina Resort just out of Gavi and the hotel l'Ostelliere which is quite something. I am staying in my own suite.
After a spa bath and nap we met for aperitifs and then vanned into Gavi for dinner at Cantine del Gavi. After ordering, we took a tour of the impressive cellar.
Tonight's menu:
Primi - Risotto al Gavi (absorbed in wine and finished with aged parmesan).
Secondi - Grilled Fassone beef with bearnaise sauce.
Dolce - Home made vanilla icecream with candied citrus.
The wines:
Villa Sparina (cortese grapes}
La Spinetta Nobbiolo
No comments:
Post a Comment