We Discover a new Amaro, and have an Amazing Lunch at an Agriturismo

      As mentioned in the previous post, we stayed in an apartment in Palazzolo Acreide owned by the family of Nonno Pippo.  The family also owns an Amaro production facility in the nearby town of Testa Dell'acqua.  The Amaro is called Nepeta.  It is made from a type of mint called nepitella, which they combine with orange rind from the Catania area and alcohol to produce the Amaro.  Although nepitella is a wild herb, they grow it in a field at the facility.  We were invited to go to Casa Nepeta for a tasting, and to meet members of the family.  It was an honor to meet the family, and of course the Amaro was delicious!

                                               

This is Casa Nepeta, and the field where the nepitella is grown...

This is what the wild mint nepitella looks like...

                                                   

                                                                    

The walls of Casa Nepeta were painted by a street artist...

                                                      

                                                                  

Here is the Nepeta bottle...

                          

Chris with Federico, one of the owners...



The family suggested that we go to the nearby Agriturismo Leone for Saturday lunch. 

                                               

      The agriturismo even had a few animals - goats, a pony, and an ostrich!

       The meal was amazing.  The appetizer course had nine different items!  Two pastas and grilled meats followed.  What a feast!

                                                   

                                                             

What more can be said?  Cheers from your continually well fed, and now Amaro sipping travelers, Joe and Chris!

      Click on any image to enlarge.