autumn

If you are in Abruzzo in November, and like your autumn nights peppered with gathering outdoors to watch colossal towering pyres lit that evoke rites traditions from the distant past that celebrate new beginnings with song, Vino Novello, Scanno’s ‘Le Glorie di San Martino’ is unmissable!

Loreto Aprutino is hosting a series of intimate Autumnal Aperitivo Saturday soirees that chase colour and long shadows through this much cherished medieval town, culminating in a delicious aperitivo in the company of an acclaimed local wine producer

From how pumpkins were used symbolically in days gone by in Abruzzo to the most delicious autumn recipe for a rich Pumpkin and Smoked Scamorza Cheese Tart!

Sloes aren’t the first things you think of in association with Modern Abruzzo despite their ability to grow up to 1600 masl, but dig a little and you soon bump into a local recipe or two that will help brace those long winter nights with their wild plummy delights. 

Succulent blackberries and their tart tree companions in a simple rustic Italian olive oil cake, a recipe from the Upper Tordino Valley in Abruzzo

If there is one season that Abruzzo stands out for its dishes, it’s for the woodland flavours of Autumn. One of the rustic hearty soups that you’ll find served inland at the agriturismi and restaurants that span the Apennine highlands is this pumpkin, porcini mushroom, chestnut and farro one

Autumn in Abruzzo has many an harvest that you can follow, but the saffron ”raccolta’ has to be one of the most beautiful, despite scoring high on the backbreaking level for those that cultivate Abruzzo’s red gold gold! A weekend in  L’Aquila province either in Navelli or Fontecchio gives the chance to get away to pick, eat and learn crafts associated with this precious spice

Italy officially uncorks its Vino Novello (‘New Wine’ – think Beaujolais but Italian style) on the 11th of November, which is coincidentally the ‘festa di St. Martino’

Cachi is Italy’s most aesthetically beautiful Autumn fruit. Its soul-stirring shades of spotted pinks, reds & orange leaves counter setting the clocks back

Here in Abruzzo, Italy it’s the 1st & 2nd November that celebrates the magic of Autumn & reflects on the past and present familial bond which keeps Italy going