“Eccellenze del Piemonte in vetrina” is a project on the art of combining white truffle from Alba with local specialities and wines from the different areas of Piedmont. The results are refined and intriguing, thanks to the great chefs from Piedmont – from Roddi Castle to Michelin-starred restaurants – who are trying their hand at this and are organizing unmissable events for gourmets. A series of events which offer an extraordinary tour of the best food products and wines, inspired by creativity and taste.
The food and wine story of the Monferrato area around Alessandria is told by the skilful hands of Patrizia Grossi, chef at Ristorante La Torre in Casale Monferrato, and Andrea Ribaldone from starred-restaurant Nordelaia in Cremolino.
Rich tables and sensational wines against a backdrop of vineyards dominated by castles: this is the image that the name “Monferrato” immediately evokes. This quiet and thriving area stretches between the provinces of Alessandria and Asti, to the foot of the Ligurian Apennines, and between the Langhe, Roero and the historic region of Lomellina in Lombardy. A beautiful landscape with gentle hills, rich soils, scents and authentic rural tradition.
Vitello tonnato alla Casalese antica, just pink enough and garnished with Patrizia Grossi's tasty sauce made with tuna, hard-boiled egg yolk and capers is pure Piedmont. The agnolotti DE.CO. with truffle, that she has invented, are a new twist on one of the region's most traditional dishes: egg-free pasta stuffed with veal and truffles and served with gravy. The pumpkin, apple and amaretto cake, a rustic cake with autumn ingredients, is a tribute to to the typical amaretto biscuit from Monferrato. Ribaldone's menu, instead, celebrates the excellence of local producers: focaccia made with flours from Mulino Marino in Cossano Belbo, served with cured meats from the San Desiderio farm in Monastero Bormida; honey from Valli Unite in Costa Vescovato; ricotta by Marco Bernini – an artist of cheese-making and expert affineur – used to fill his egg raviolone seasoned with white truffle. The paired wines take us on a journey into the local viticulture tradition: Acqui DOCG rosé, Cortese DOCG from Alto Monferrato, Dolcetto Ovada DOCG, Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese DOC, Passito di Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG.
“Eccellenze del Piemonte in vetrina” is a project supported by Regione Piemonte and included in the programme of the 91st edition of Alba’s International White Truffle Fair. It is organized by VisitPiemonte - Regional Marketing and Promotion, Alba’s International White Truffle Fair Organization, Local Tourist Agencies in Piedmont and the Regional Enoteche (Wine Centres).