June 19 - Just Hanging out at Casi di Sotto

All six adults literally stagger out into the grand kitchen in Casi di Sotto, in search of the magic cup of 'caffe' that will take away the memories of the Grappa from last night. "Who opened the stuff, anyway?" My friend grumbles. Fingers point in all directions. It was smooth but wicked….the Grappa we bought at Gattavecchi in Montepulciano. It's an overcast day, sprinkles in the morning with more rain on the horizon, which makes it a good day to stay inside and watch, that's right, the World Cup.

Our friends from Milano take off during a break in the storm, waving the Italian flag now (they arrived with 'Hail Brittania' hanging out the window) although according to the locals, the Italian team is playing like 'buffi' (jokers). Some Italians have even switched their allegiance to Spain at this point. Soccer is serious here. Serious.

I take the opportunity to work on some of the rooms in Casi di Sotto. There is a great two-desk office, but needs to be 'prettied up' a bit. Likewise the room my daughter is staying in. It is part of a family suite with interconnecting doorways. It is also where the custom crafted owners closets are.

We move some mattresses around, and take measurements, in the hope that we can find American size box springs or a bed frame to complete the furnishings in the 'Dependance' (guest cottage). It is a really charming space, the favorite of many who have toured the house.

We are…..short of water. Massi brought up a large cistern full of water this morning, but just to be sure, we are all taking camp showers. It's okay, after all, it's Carrara's rejuvenation of the landscaping that is at the end of the rainbow. I chuckle as I pour pasta water, etc., on the potted plants….I remember my grandmother doing the same at her ranch in Montana.

When we visited Monte Bernardi last week, Willie told us that they are only allowed to water new grape vines during the first two years. After that, the vines are expected to put down deep roots and make it on their own. One of the reasons the Chianti wines are great, I suspect. They say the same in Bordeaux….that vines must suffer, the soil must be rocky to make the flavor sweet and strong.

Those surrounding Casi di Sotto have grown substantially with all the rain. The tractors have been here over the past week, turning under the ground every other row. This puts nitrogen into the soil not once, but twice, when they return to do the other spaces. Smart farming.

The children have found a copy of Men In Black and have watched it 15 times since our arrival. We have to pry it out of their hands to turn on the game. A little cheese, some bread.

Ahhhh. Saturday.

Ciao!

About Carrara, LLC

Carrara partners with owners of luxury vacation homes in Italy, managing the conversion and marketing of these beautiful homes to fractional, shared ownership vacation properties. We also represent buyers seeking the lifestyle of a European home and the convenience of a professionally managed, shared investment.

For more information about our properties:

Casi di Sotto

Casa in Volpaia