Page 17 - Dispatches - June 2022

Left: The
woodcarving
tradition in Val
Gardena began in the
1600s, when farm
families needed a
way to pass the time
during the winter.

From Milan to the
Alps, Dolomites &
Lombardy

you may find Austrian-style knodel (bread position and geological mix of volcanic soils Created by Saul Tave,
dumplings), strangolapreti (spinach and cheese and limestone, its wines—especially white 16-time traveler from
gnocchi with browner butter and sage), or wines—are exceptional. Dunedin, FL
casunziei (beet-filled pasta with poppy seeds).
A smoked ham known as speck is particularly 98% of South Tyrol’s wines are of Watch Video
popular in addition to other varieties of Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)
beef, pork, and venison. Chefs also love to qualification. This classification system in
incorporate apples and mushrooms into many Italy guarantees a high standard as well as
of their meals—including authentic apple regulates grape varieties, maximum harvest
strudel. yields, and wine aging. Wine growers are
disciplined and educated through centuries of
Not unlike the rest of Italy, cheese is an traditions passed down from one generation
essential food group in South Tyrol. Here, to the next. They also take conservation of the
local cheeses are sourced from small farms land seriously for use by future generations.
where cows freely graze in serene mountain
meadows. At altitudes of 2,400 to 6,000 feet From finding a moment of Zen along hillside
above sea level, the milk has an unmatched vineyards to immersing yourself in cultural
purity that cheesemakers translate into more festivals, adventure runs as high as the See what makes
than 200 different types of cheese. Many are Dolomite mountaintops above you. In South the culture of South
produced in limited quantities or at designated Tyrol, both gemütlichkeit and la dolce vita (the Tyrol so intriguing
times of the year to ensure top quality. good life) are right at your fingertips. when you join O.A.T.
for Northern Italy:
The Alpine elevation also makes for The Alps, Dolomites
exceptional wines. Though it’s Italy’s smallest & Lombardy.
wine-producing region, it’s one of the most
multifaceted. Thanks to its unique geographic Learn More

DISPATCHES • WINTER 2022 17

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