Flavors of Northern Italy: Day 7

Friday 10/8: Artisan Cheese + Sirmione + Musical Dinner

The morning today was focused on another form of artisanal food, this time cheesemaking, and specifically the production of Monte Veronese cheese. We met Giovanni, a master cheesemaker at La Casara, who gave us a full tour of the production facilities as he explained the process, and we actually got to see each step being completed by the staff: heating the milk, stirring to separate the curds, removing the cheese chunks from the vat, forming them into rings, imprinting the rind, brining the rings in salt water, and aging the finished product.

Learning about the complex and time-consuming process, including the number of years that certain cheeses need to age, definitely provided a different sense of appreciation for the final product. Once we finished our tour, we were treated to a tasting of five cheeses, with Giovanni leading us through each one to talk more about their unique characteristics.

The tasting was accompanied by the local Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine that was a delightful accompaniment to the cheeses. We also had a light lunch of cold pasta with tomatoes, zucchini, capers, and olive oil. And some charcuterie on the side for the carnivores in the group.

Our afternoon activity was a visit to the beautiful lakeside peninsula town of Sirmione, which probably has more gelaterias per square meter than any other comparable town in the country! Mr. E and I focused on following the panoramic pedestrian path that circumscribes the peninsula, taking in the amazing lake views along the way.

Once we got back to Borgo, the four of us who were departing on Sunday completed our mandatory COVID testing, with results that were returned within five minutes. All negative. Phew! We then received electronic certifications later in the evening as well to make sure that we would have all of the necessary documentation for our upcoming travel.

Our group dinner this evening was a celebration meal, accompanied by amazing live music thanks to Corimè, a duo with connections to the owner of Borgo. We all were touched and inspired by the music, and there were moments of dancing by some members of the group! By the time we were finished with the extensive meal and accompanying wines, including a lovely dessert wine, there were more than 40 glasses on the table!!!

I departed just before the final song, as I was about to fall asleep in my chair, but Mr. E stayed to the end and bought two of the duo’s CDs, which we’ll definitely enjoy at home as we try out some of the recipes we learned this week.