IMG_0140If we hadn’t needed something to do until the shops opened in Alba (closed 1 to 3 for lunch), we might IMG_0143never have taken the winding road through vineyards and villages that led us eventually up to the 13th century Castello Grinzane Cavour.   Around a sharp bend, and there it was on its emerald lawn, a total surprise in all its fairy tale splendor.

The entry led to the castle’s wine cellar, now a showcase for regional wines.  Up a winding IMG_0171narrow stair was the door to the Ristorante Castello Grinzane  (ring for admittance).   All dinners were fully booked, but if we could come for lunch on Sunday . . . . .     YES!

 

IMG_0149The heavy wooden door opens on bare castle walls and nine linen draped tables.  Choosing from the menu’s temptations takes awhile.  Mark decides to be surprised and goes with the Chef’s Menu (whatever he decided to cook that day).  I can’t pass up some of the dishes listed a la carte.  The host is happy to choose  a different wine for each of our dishes.

Here, in pictures, is the fabulous meal we shared, minus the ‘pre-dessert’ berry mouse, my melon sorbet and Mark’s peach confection.  My basic descriptions hardly due justice to our best meal so far.  And the wines and service?  Perfection.

 

Green apple sorbet, smoked duck and foie gras on polenta

Green apple sorbet, smoked duck and foie gras on polenta

IMG_0166

Fava bean gnocchi with prosciutto

Ravioli stuffed with melted cheese,  bacon and pear garnish

Ravioli stuffed with melted cheese, bacon and pear garnish

Grilled octopus and octopus sausage on fresh garbonzo beans

Grilled octopus and octopus sausage on fresh garbonzo beans

Roast lamb, wine sauce, pureed potatoes

Roast lamb, wine sauce, mushrooms, pureed potatoes

Roast veal, wine sauce on pureed potatoes

Tenderest roast veal ever with wine sauce on pureed potatoes

Sweet bites - with coffee

Sweet bites – with coffee