Goodbye, Montalcino; Hello Castellina in Chianti

Had our last morning in this cute town.

Walked all around the town identifying its old gates and the four quarters (Ruga, Paniello, Travaglia, Borghetto). It will be hard to say goodbye to Montalcino and its beauty.  

Yes, there are cactus in Tuscany!!  We ate breakfast one last time at a lovely window overlooking the Tuscan landscape.

Then off to Castellina in Chianti, thanks to the Gubtiz's who showed us this little gem a couple of years ago. Got here just before a cooling shower.   Here's the view of the Chianti countryside from our window at Hotel Palazzo Squarcialupi.  As you can see, Chianti is much more rolling and hilly than the lower parts of Tuscany.  Another beautiful spot!!

We had pizza for lunch at a place right across the street!!  It was a throwback from when Peggy and Gary and us had it a few years ago at the same restaurant.  It was yummy then, as I remember it, and it was still yummy!!!  Did I mention that I LOVE Italy, I LOVE Italian food, and I LOVE Tuscany!

And then we were going to visit Mario, our friend who sold us the painting over our fire place and low and behold he had these wonderful paintings of the Tuscan countryside. . .  so we went wine tasting and then we succumbed.  We will be bringing a little bit of Tuscany home with us to relive everyday . . .

and finally, we will have a special dinner at Francesco Rist Albergaccio di Castellini tonight.  

We had little ravioli's stuffed with local blue cheese

beef cheeks with pepper 

Elva had pigeon, very nicely done and I had . . .

roast suckling pig--tender.

Finished with this nice desert!

To Elva's wisdom, we shared everything except her pigeon and my pork.  Otherwise we would never have been able to finish.  Did try Nobile d'Montalpiciano again and still sharp and not complex;  but a 2010 Brunello was smooth and complex.  Best Brunello so far! 

Besides these treats, God treated us to some wonderful thunder storms; one of which came just as we were about to leave and WALK home--about 15 minute walk.  To our wonderment, the owner of this Michelin star restaurant offered to and did drive us home.  Where but in hospitable Italy would this happen???  Of course, I might be a bit biased about "My People"!

It was a perfect end to another wonderful day in Italy ??? !!!