9.29 - Thursday Part II - Artimino?!?

ARTIMINO… WHERE FORE ART THOU?!?

After a wonderful meal and adding to our Italian family at Il Falcone, we set out for the race to Fattroria Artimino which was supposed to be another short drive through the mountains.  Welllll yes, through the mountains,  Short…NO.

Ironically it was getting out of Poggio Caiano that was the most interesting, but  only 2 girare-u’s and we were headed to Carmignano and the soon to prove, elusive Artimino winery.

We'll spare you the usual banter on the way to getting lost, and eventually finding the Hotel and estate above the quaint little village of Artimino. That’s the good news...

The bad news… Chucky finds the reception desk and they have no idea what he’s asking about. 

And of course, he left the laptop at Il Pianaccio so he cant even come up with the email and the name of the person he corresponded with for the reservation.  Supposedly the same sommelier who was now telling the desk agent he was on a wholesaler’s tour and had no reservation for Chucky.

The slightly proper, almost to the point of being curt desk agent, directed him to the wine shop in Artimino…  which Chucky interpreted as being allllll the waaaaayyyyy back down another long, winding road.

At the bottom of the road, nothing jives with the hand drawn map from the desk clerk, so we stop for some gas and an ask the pump jocky for directions to Artimino… and Via Papa Giovanni XXIII.  And… he sends us back up the mountain!!!

 

Once back at the Hotel, we tried the directions again and realize we didn’t have to go down the mountain, just over to the other side.

Artimino is so small, you must park outside of town and walk in some very “Que Cute” streets. And after 3 tries we find the wine shop… which of course… had no idea what Chucky was talking about but suggested that it was back at the Hotel and the winery below.  The Lovely Lady with Deep Violet Eyes, apologized and suggested had she had more notice, she would have given us a tasting, but it was close to closing time and we thanked her for her courtesy and departed without even a Tchotchke.  

By this time, the frazzled twosome decide that this was not going to work and it was time for some fresh water and some Gelato.  We met a crusty old fellow who had lived 25 years in Seattle and returned home to this very “Que Cute” village because Seattle was just to hectic, as he broke out into song… what a hoot…  he helped us park and directed us to the little store… right behind us.   After some spectacular photos from the mountain top, we headed back down the mountain… one more time… and girare-ued our way back to Il Pianaccio.  

Once back at Il Pianaccio Chucky found the email from Andre at Artimino and dropped him a note indicating our confusing day, to which he responded that we never confirmed. "Not so", responded Chucky, who forwarded a copy of our confirmation.  Andre apologized and offered a tour at our convenience, to which Chucky responded, "Thank you, perhaps in another 5 years." 

We settled down again for dinner on the terrace overlooking Firenze’s lights in the distance.  The crescent moon above turning bright orange from the just set sun, the convivial atmosphere of the world travelers around us, and the lilting sounds of Il Divo playing from DL’s iPad set the mood for another stunning meal.

More late night NOWATS  and we settled in for a little rest… it has been a very interesting week.

Tomorrow we have no planned agenda so who knows… but it WILL be interesting.

Ciao 4 Now

Uncle Chuck & The so tired of the up the mountain shuffle, Dragon Lady

Enjoying Fine Tuscan Wine, Aged Sharp Cheese & Great Crusty Breads