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’
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!
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!
Abruzzo’s traditional New Year was known as ‘Capetiempe’ & loosely spanned the nights of 31st October through to the 11th November. Through a local folk tale, Favole e Leggende d’Abruzzo explores this time of death and rebirth, practiced in many areas of Abruzzo till just after the 2nd World War
Damn fine turkey aka Nereto Turkey (Tacchino alla Neretese); is not something I ever thought I’d be either eating or writing about