<a target="_blank" href="http://www.relaissantuffizio.com/en/home.html">Relais del Sant’Uffizio</a>

Strada Sant’ Uffizio, 1

14030 Cioccaro di Penango

Asti, Italy

Phone: +39 0141 916292 

Food:

Burrata; fresh tomatoes; olives

Agnolotti al Plin

Grilled Fassona steak with vegetables, Barbera reduction sauce

Wine:

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A former monastery dating back to the days of Inquisition in the
1600s, the Relais del Sant’Uffizio is a gorgeous hotel and restaurant nestled in
the rolling hills of Monferrato, just outside Asti, in the heart of Barbera
country. The romantic, tranquil setting is ideal for a weekend getaway or as a
base for exploring many of the nearby attractions. A large outdoor pool is
perfect for whiling away the hot days of summer, while the indoor spa and pool will
appeal to those who are looking for the maximum in total serenity.<img alt="" src="https://allgrapes.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads%2F1408537612765-SantUffizio+Sized.jpg"><img alt=""> 

The Relais del Sant’Uffizio
is a former monastery that dates back to the 1600s

I first visited Sant’Uffizio in 1997, when it was a smaller, family
owned hotel with a very highly regarded restaurant. During the years I lived in
Italy, Sant’Uffizio was one of my favorite places to escape the chaos of Milan.
Today, Sant’Uffizio offers more services and rooms, while the property is as
charming as ever. 

The restaurant was excellent on the two occasions we ate there,
although the reality is that the overall quality of dining in Piedmont has
exploded over the last 20 years, such that the food at Sant’Uffizio today is
excellent, but has much more competition than it did years ago. The menu offers
a combination of classics along with a handful of more creative dishes, all done
with a modern, light touch. Visitors will find a small but well-chosen list
with plenty of good options. Service is professional and attentive. <img alt="" src="https://allgrapes.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads%2F1408538434316-Tomatoes+Sized.jpg"> 

Burrata; fresh tomatoes;
olives

The burrata with tomatoes and olives is a delicious, cold
appetizer perfect for the summer, with plenty of bright, bold flavors.
Agnolotti del Plin, a Piedmontese standby, are virtually impossible to resist,
even more so when they are topped with black truffles. Fassona is a breed of
local beef known for its tenderness. Our grilled steak, served with vegetables
and Barbera reduction sauce, is cooked perfectly. The meat is flavorful and
juicy, but not too strong, which makes it incredibly well suited as a vehicle
for pairing with wine. <img alt="" src="https://allgrapes.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads%2F1408538504621-Agnolotti2+Sized.jpg"> 

Agnolotti al Plin

In time, 2004 will go down as one of Bruno Giacosa’s greatest
vintages, on a par with 1978, 1982 and 1989 for the sheer number of profound
wines made that year. In the last few months I have tasted all of the 2004s
(except the Barolo Croera) and they are all just as magnificent as they were
upon release. On this night, though, it is the 2004 Barolo Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto that catches our
attention. And how could it not? These wines have virtually disappeared from
the market, so to see fairly priced bottles on a list anywhere is an
opportunity that doesn’t present itself every day.

<img alt="" src="https://allgrapes.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads%2F1408538579625-Steak+Sized.jpg"> Grilled Fassona steak with
vegetables, Barbera reduction sauce

Haunting, perfumed aromatics meld into the trademark Giacosa
fruit as the 2004 Rocche del Falletto captivates the heart, soul and intellect.
The tannins are firm yet noble, giving the 2004 a level of early accessibility
that is now not uncommon in great Piedmont wines. Of course, the 2004 is only
going to improve in bottle, but it is pretty special, even at this early stage.
What could be better than Giacosa’s 2004 Rocche? Only a second bottle, which
turned out to be a bit fresher and even more vibrant. The first bottle was
terrific, but the second was extra terrestrial. <img alt="" src="https://allgrapes.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads%2F1408538631213-Giacosa2004andCover+SizedArticle.jpg"> 

A real treat: two bottles
of Bruno Giacosa’s epic 2004 Barolo Riserva Le Rocche dell Falletto

Readers visiting Piedmont who want to get a little rest and
relaxation among the vineyards in a gorgeous, historic setting should check out
the Relais del Sant’Uffizio. 

&nbsp;

-- Antonio Galloni

&nbsp;

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