Enoteca Il Salotto - Tasting 2 of 3

We proceeded to the village of Colle Val d'Elsa. Our second tasting was in the center of the village at a shop owned by a smiling Italian wine lover. This unique shop is housed in a building from the 4th century and the tasting room is in the basement. On display there was a bottle corker, a grape masher and even an ancient tomb. The proprietor gave us a tasting of the strong, regional sweet wines and grappa paired with different chocolates. He explained that Italians are not quick to pick up new tastes and the idea of eating chocolate with wine is not generally accepted as a good idea. After trying it himself, he is now enamored with the idea and is spreading the word. When we suggested he try the new salty chocolate we found in Minnesota however, he did not seem the least bit interested. We also tasted some very dark, aged vinegar with cheese and honey which was very yummy. Again we made purchases and happily let Constanza drive us to the last appointment.

Yes, they are olive trees. We see these interspersed with the vineyards all along the roads. Never try to eat one off the tree! You must be patient and wait until they have cured or you'll be in for rude surprise.