On grapes...

So far we've been treated to green and black grapes, which have a rather similar flavor to those we are used to in the States.  I have the impression, though, that the harvest is coming close for some of the other varieties; I think in a few weeks, we'll see a lot of different types coming in (as we have the tomatoes).

Today, I was talking to Giuseppe and his pals in their usual hangout: a small alleyway cut off from the road by a large door.  Sitting down with them, it became immediately apparent why it's their favorite spot: a deliciously cooling breeze wafts up through the alleyway.

During the course of our conversation, old lady number one (I've never learnt her name) asked me if I liked grapes.  I was so taken aback (I mean, who doesn't like grapes?) that I'm sure she thought I didn't understand it.  It turned out that she has a garden & her grapes are ripe; she was offering some to us as a gift!

She gave me a little tour of her house (the only house in the alley), and then the neighboring garden.  The garden actually belongs to the neighbor who used to live there, but she has since died & the children live in Milan.  They've allowed our friends to use the garden and neighboring storage area.

The main grapevine in the garden is over 100 years old!

Here is a picture of our benefactor, who was married in 1954 (she's normally smiling, but I caught her unawares!):

Here are a few pictures of the grapes:

In flavor, they are similar to the green grapes from the store, but they have a slightly more musky aftertaste.  They also have the most adorable size variation and they are curiously shaped: they have a pointed end!

We'll keep you posted as we continue to discover new varieties.

Love,

Alexandra