Category Archives: Italy

Biking Franciacorta’s Green Route

Green is supposedly a calming color, I recalled as I cycled along Franciacorta’s Percorso Verde (Green Route). There could be some truth in that: The amount of green on this route seems to have created the most relaxed, carefree people I have met in a long time – and I count myself among that group on that delightful day.

I first noticed it in the town of Paratico, on the hill overlooking Lake Iseo. As I was photographing the incredibly blue lake spreading out in the distance, several runners came uphill behind me. Male and female, of all ages and sizes, they were obviously enjoying themselves on a group “fun-run”, and wanted me to photograph them as well.

Lago D'Iseo from Above
Lago D’Iseo from Above

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Wine Notes: Franciacorta

 

What I Learned:

The wine region of Franciacorta was given a huge boost in the 11th Century with the arrival of monks, to include some from the famous French monastery of Cluny. Since then, the wines have only improved. The term Franciacorta can refer not only to the territory, but also the method of production. In recognition of its superior quality, wines from this region using the defined Franciacorta production techniques, were the first to be awarded the quality marking of DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), the highest rating in the Italian quality pyramid.

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Valtellina Trail

Biking Through Valtellina

 

 Italy’s Valtellina wines are amazing, but even more amazing is the Sentiero Valtellina, a mostly paved bike trail beginning near Grosotto, in the Alps, and ending on Lake Como in Colico. It is an unspoiled 95 kilometer stretch of trail born of a cooperative venture among the valley communities, well-maintained, signposted in most spots, and enjoyed by walkers, joggers, and roller-bladers, as well as bikers, young and old.

Vineyards and Villages
Vineyards and Villages

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