A LOVE NOTE TO ABRUZZO

Abruzzo was the first destination I was sure I wanted to include within my selection for Be MyJourney and the one destination that I can’t get tired of discovering and exploring every time I go back. And, most importantly, a destination that is full of excellences that make us locals proud and to whom I want to dedicate this note. Starting from *** Michelin stars chef Niko Romito and his sister Cristiana, sharing their story and my experience at Casadonna Reale.

My journey began with a drive through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the region, part of the Abruzzo National Park, where Casadonna Reale is nestled. As soon as I got into the restored monastery that hosts the hotel, I remember feeling wrapped by a pleasantly soft atmosphere, elegant and simple. A minimal design and big windows bringing inside the surrounding nature.

The dinner at Ristorante Reale was a sensorial experience that I would define as a “food happening” rather than just a meal. Not surprisingly, a month ago, the place was nominated among the 50 best restaurants in the world. What Cristiana and Niko Romito were able to create here goes beyond remarkable. A story that began years ago in the bakery of their family, in Rivisondoli, that was then turned into a trattoria, and today – having moved to Casadonna, a *** Michelin stars restaurant. A genuine ‘laboratory’, where materials, research, simplicity and taste dialogue with one another to bring the Italian cuisine of tomorrow to life. Then, I wish I could find the words to praise Casadonna‘s gourmet breakfast. I still remember the enthusiasm of waking up to have a morning meal that I heard to be incredible… And I swear it was!

To fully share with you this sensorial experience, I decided to dedicate the first Travel Experience by Be MyJourney to this destination. A weekend escape that I would recommend to gourmands and travellers passionate about food culture.

And a GOOD NEWS! Until December 2021, Be MyJourney travellers get a discount on their stay. Learn more about it here.

Moving from the Abruzzo National Park to the area of Chieti, I want to share with you the story of locals Alessio and Matias, natural winemakers behind Ruvido Wines. They do not have a long history linked to wine or agriculture, they do not come from generations of winemakers, they have not collected a family inheritance, but they have an endless passion for wine…To the point of dedicating themselves to it, making wines that represent all the nuances of Abruzzo.

A land that they also share through a video project called LAND OF RUVIDO, where their story blends with the beauty of our territory that is hard, but fascinating, defined by a blue sea, gentle hills, high mountains, all elements that can be found in the Ruvido Wines logo. Their blends are difficult to tame, not always elegant, but strong, pure and direct. Like the territory, but also like the local people, known to be “strong and kind”, apparently suspicious, but “give them time and they’ll open up”, uncovering a caring, warm and attentive soul. And it is this unique “rough” or “Ruvido” side that they want to represent through their literally handmade raw wines.

Alessio and Matias draw from past techniques and cultures, contaminating them with modern awareness and taste. Ruvido Wines is all about grapes grown without systemic products and pesticides, and the vinification and refining processes are conducted without any chemical-technological aid.