Gastronomic and Beer Tour at the Medieval Castle Roccascalegna

Stepping back in time, visitors to the medieval Castle Roccascalegna can indulge in a unique gastronomic and beer tour that seamlessly blends history and culinary delights. Guests will savor a selection of craft beers from the renowned Delphín Brewery, each expertly paired with regional cheese specialties. But the experience doesn’t stop there – traditional dishes like the savory Pallotte Cace E Ove and the delectable Ferratelle await, transporting palates on a flavorful journey through Roccascalegna’s rich gastronomic heritage. As the guided tour unveils the castle’s architectural marvels, one can’t help but wonder what other surprises this enchanting destination has in store.

Quick Points

• Visitors can enjoy a tasting of three unique Delphín craft beers, including an Amber Ale, Wheat Ale, and Stout, while exploring the medieval Castello di Roccascalegna.

• The castle tour highlights the architectural styles blending Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance elements, as well as its strategic defensive features and rich historical significance.

• Guests can savor a selection of Italian cheeses, including Provolone, Bocconcini, Pecorino, and aged Parmesan, while also indulging in traditional local dishes like Ferratelle and Pizza Scima.

• The Pallotte Cace E Ove tasting offers a chance to experience a traditional regional dish made with sheep’s milk cheese, eggs, and tomato sauce.

• The guided tour of the castle’s interiors and the scenic views from the ramparts provide a comprehensive understanding of the castle’s role in the region’s history and cultural heritage.

Castle History and Architecture

The medieval Castello di Roccascalegna, perched atop a rocky outcrop, commands a striking presence over the surrounding valley.

Dating back to the 11th century, this well-preserved castle features a mix of architectural styles, blending Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance elements.

Its thick stone walls, towers, and battlements are a testament to its defensive origins.

Inside, visitors can explore the castle’s grand halls, ornate chapels, and secret passageways, each offering a glimpse into the rich history of this medieval fortress.

The castle’s strategic location and impressive design made it a formidable stronghold, playing a crucial role in the region’s tumultuous past.

Tasting of Delphín Craft Beers

Stepping into the Ta Room, visitors are greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed craft beers from Delphín Brewery. The tasting experience offers a chance to savor three unique brews, each with its distinct flavors and characteristics. The selection includes:

Beer	Description
Amber Ale	Malty and caramel-forward, with a subtle hop bitterness
Wheat Ale	Light, refreshing, and slightly citrusy
Stout	Rich, roasty, and creamy, with notes of chocolate and coffee

As visitors sip and compare the various offerings, they gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and creativity of the Delphín brewers, whose passion shines through in every pint.

Exploring Cheese Varieties

Four varieties of cow’s milk cheese await the tour participants as they depart the Ta Room.

First, a creamy and pungent provolone, aged to perfection. Next, a soft and buttery bocconcini, bursting with freshness.

The tour then samples a tangy and crumbly pecorino, made from sheep’s milk but often paired with cow’s cheeses.

Finally, they indulge in a sharp and nutty aged Parmesan, a staple of Italian cuisine.

Each cheese offers a distinct flavor profile, texture, and story, providing a delightful introduction to the region’s artisanal dairy products.

The group savors these cheese varieties, discussing their unique characteristics and pairing them with the Delphín craft beers tasted earlier.

Savory Ferratelle and Pizza Scima

After indulging in the diverse cheese offerings, the tour participants turn their attention to the savory ferratelle and pizza scima.

Ferratelle, a traditional Italian pastry, are served in a savory variety, rather than the more common sweet version. These crisp, golden-brown flatbreads are made with flour, olive oil, and herbs, providing a savory and satisfying contrast to the preceding cheeses.

Alongside the ferratelle, the group is treated to slices of pizza scima, a thin-crust pizza with a minimal number of toppings, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine.

The combination of these rustic, hand-crafted delicacies continues to showcase the gastronomic traditions of the Roccascalegna region.

Pallotte Cace E Ove Tasting

With the savory ferratelle and pizza scima thoroughly enjoyed, the tour participants now turn their attention to the Pallotte Cace e Ove, a traditional dish hailing from the Roccascalegna region. These small, fried fritters are made with sheep’s milk cheese (cace) and eggs (ove), then served with a tangy tomato sauce. The dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, with the crisp exterior giving way to the soft, creamy interior. As the group samples this local specialty, they can appreciate the care and tradition behind its preparation.

Ingredient	Description
Sheep’s Milk Cheese	The foundation of the fritters, providing a rich, tangy flavor.
Eggs	Binding the mixture and adding a creamy texture.
Tomato Sauce	A savory accompaniment, balancing the fried fritters.

Guided Tour of the Castle

The Guided Tour of the Castle commences as the tour group ascends the weathered stone steps, eager to explore the medieval grandeur of Castello Medioevale di Roccascalegna.

A knowledgeable guide leads the way, sharing captivating stories of the castle’s storied past. Visitors marvel at the impressive architecture, including the defensive towers, ornate courtyards, and well-preserved frescoes.

The guide skillfully navigates the group through the various chambers, providing insights into the castle’s strategic importance and the lives of its former inhabitants.

As the tour progresses, the group gains a deeper appreciation for the castle’s role in the region’s rich history, leaving them with a newfound respect for this iconic medieval landmark.

Scenic Views From the Ramparts

Visitors ascend the weathered stone ramparts, their gaze drawn to the sweeping vistas that unfold before them.

Perched atop the castle, the panoramic views stretch across the rolling countryside, revealing a patchwork of lush vineyards, olive groves, and dense forests.

In the distance, the jagged peaks of the Apennine Mountains pierce the horizon, their snow-capped summits glistening in the sunlight.

Closer to the castle, the historic town of Roccascalegna nestles in the valley, its charming houses and winding streets a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage.

As visitors take in these breathtaking sights, they gain a deeper appreciation for the strategic importance of this formidable medieval fortress and the natural beauty that surrounds it.

Reflections on the Tasting Experience

Typically, the tasting experience at the gastronomic and beer tour proved to be a mixed bag for visitors.

While the selection of four cheese varieties, pizza scima, savory ferratelle, hand-cut ham, and Pallotte Cace e Ove with tomato sauce offered a satisfactory sampling of local delicacies, some guests felt the portions could have been more generous.

The beer tasting, featuring three offerings from the Delphín craft brewery, received praise for the quality of the brews but was criticized by a few as lacking in variety.

The Final Verdict

The Gastronomic and Beer Tour at the Medieval Castle Roccascalegna offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and local culinary delights. Visitors can savor craft beers and regional cheeses, indulge in traditional dishes, and explore the castle’s rich heritage. The guided tour and scenic views from the ramparts make this experience a truly memorable journey through Roccascalegna’s gastronomic legacy.