Florence is really hot in the summer. Not hot enough to put you off enjoying a lovely dinner but definitely hot enough to change your mind about dessert.
I never have a problem though because one of my favorite desserts only makes its appearance in the summer……peaches in wine. Not just any peaches will do if you really want to experience this unique delicacy. These peaches are specific to Rosano, a little area along the Arno just outside of Florence. They are called “Cotogne”; they are yellow; they are fragrant in an unusual way; their flesh is firm and spice-flavoured; they are tangy. Tangy is the only word for it. They were just made to be steeped in wine. Swoon.
P.S. Only one other peach holds a candle to a Cotogne……and it’s to be found in Montelabbate, a tiny hamlet in Le Marche between Urbino and Pesaro. My roots are there…..and I’ve been to their annual Peach Festival. But that’s a story for another day.
Maremma Pines on the way to Castiglione della Pescaia
These distinctive trees called Maremma Pines lead the way to the sea in Maremma……an easy drive from Florence and a great destination for beach lovers who like pristine beaches surrounded by greenery with expansive views of the sea. The trip is always fun because it’s full of anticipation…………
Step Right In
From the moment the front gate opens and you step down into lush greenery……
Follow The Path
you are guided along the path down to the house and that’s when the feelings of cool and calm and relaxed take over. The road trip is over. It’s that easy.
Arrival Ritual
The next step is practically a ritual……open the doors to the terrace. Hurry. Maybe that’s why this photo is a bit blurry.
The Sea
There’s not much one can do except breathe deeply and take in the beauty of this wonderful scene. So…..while one of us unpacks and settles in the other does lunch duty and within a half hour of our arrival, this is what we are up to……..
Terrace Lunch
Veggie omelet with a caprese salad and a nice bottle of chilled white wine…..all the cares of last week, the heat, the traffic, the noise of the city are gone in a flash and time just slows down.
Castiglione della Pescaia…… Beach in Maremma
The beach is the big story here……Maremma beaches lead the italian pack in earning stars for clean water. With chairs, umbrellas and a full service restaurant just behind you, all you need is your pile of reading material (and a bit of cash) and you’re set for as long as you like.
Happy Beach Doggies at Capezzolo Beach Club
At the Capezzolo Beach Club, dogs are allowed……they are very well-trained and by the looks of these two they are also very grateful to be at the shore. They too huddle in the shade of the umbrellas and although they are not allowed in the water they get frequent water bowl breaks and lots of nap time under their humans’ chairs.
Shady Spot in a Sunny Place
Somerset Maugham once famously characterised Monte Carlo as a sunny spot for shady people and I think this place is the opposite………a shady spot for sunny folks.
So…..for a few days life alternates between the shore and the quiet shade around the house. The only real movement is a trip to the fish market in the morning followed by a stop at the farm stand for fruit and veggies on the way home. It’s easy to understand why italians are so fond of this lifestyle…….it’s peachy!!!!
