My Italian Link - Issue #09 My Italian Link Issue #09

62 LIFESTYLE SARDINIA WINE AND SARDINIA Experience what is possibly the most expensive food in the world at these top 5 festivals dedicated to Italy’s heavenly truffles! ‘Il vino fa buon sangue’ (wine makes good blood), meaning a glass a day keeps the doctor away! Here are our top wine festivals: WINE Fiera Internazionale Tartufo Bianco d’Alba, in Piedmont. EMILIA-ROMAGNA FIERA NAZIONALE DEL TARTUFO NERO DI FRAGNO TUSCANY MOSTRA MERCATO DEL TARTUFO BIANCO DELLE CRETE SENESI What’s there? The 33 edition of this annual festival features a market, activities, exhibitions, tastings and professional displays of the world-renowned white truffle, which in this region grows in Crete Senesi in a certain type of clay. Where? San Giovanni d’Asso, Siena. When? 10, 11, 17 & 18 November 2018. www.mostradeltartufobianco.it rd ---------------------------------------------------------- OUR TOP TIP: Why not book yourself a truffle hunt, complete with trained hounds and a local guide! Check online for the excursion of your choice in northern Italy. ~ TUSCANY MOSTRA MERCATO DI TARTUFO BIANCO DI SAN MINIATO What’s there? The typical markets, demonstrations, conferences and entertainment, but with the added advantage of an internal ‘stock-market’ where local black truffles are auctioned off, which means you could walk away with serious bargain! Where? Calestano, Parma. When? Every Sunday from mid-October to mid-No- vember (TBA). www.tartufonerofragno.it ---------------------------------------------------------- What’s there? This fair really has it all! Manufacturer exhibits, tastings and pairings, cooking shows with professional chefs, participant competitions, local delicacies and regional products, shops and even events for the kids! Where? Livorno, west of Florence. When? 17 & 18 November 2018. www.maredivino.it ---------------------------------------------------------- TUSCANY VINOÈ What’s there? Guided tastings, master classes, cooking shows and round tables take place at this trade how, which is part of the annual FISAR (Italian Sommelier Federation) National Congress. Around 8,000 enthusiasts gather to learn and appreciate in- ternational wines. Where? Stazione Leopolda, Florence. When? From 27 to 29 October 2018. www.vinoe.it ---------------------------------------------------------- EMILIA-ROMAGNA ENOLOGICA TRENTINO-ALTO ADIGE/ SOUTH TYROL MERANO WINE FESTIVAL ---------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------- What’s there? Tastings, debates, and various events, including a cooking demonstration by chef Daniele Reponi. Consortiums which offer Emilia-Romagna wines on their menus also gather to compete for the wine list award. Where? Palazzo Re Enzo, Bologna. When? From 6 to 8 October 2018. www.enotecaemiliaromagna.it What’s there? This festival attracts 450 international winemakers, and was the first of its kind at its incep- tion. Besides the master classes and champagne section, visit The Circle, and learn about the local stories of each label. Where? Merano, South Tyrol. When? From 9 to 13 November 2018. www.meranowinefestival.com OUR TOP TIP: ---------------------------------------------------------- What’s there? A celebration of Alba’s white truffles featuring more than just product exhibitions. There’s a parade of locals in traditional medieval costume, and a charming Palio degli Asini (a race on donkey-back)! Where? Alba, Cuneo. When? From 6 October to 25 November 2018. www.fieradeltartufo.org TUSCANY MARE DI VINO ---------------------------------------------------------- What’s there? One of the best known truffle fairs in Italy. The white truffle that grows in the San Miniato hills is the most valuable type known, and the fair features other local delicacies, including artichokes and pork sausages. Where? San Miniato, Pisa. When? Last three weekends of November 2018. www.san-miniato.com PIEDMONTE FIERA INTERNAZIONALE TARTUFO BIANCO D’ALBA ---------------------------------------------------------- WONDERFUL TREASURED TRUFFLES What’s there? Like the others, Wine and Sardinia of- fers tastings and events, but also hosts a competi- tion for wineries and wine production in the region. Notable and talented oenologists serve on the exa- mining commission. Where? Sorgono, Nuoro. When? 20 & 21 October 2018. www.wineandsardinia.it UMBRIA MOSTRA MERCATO DEL TARTUFO What’s there? White, black, burgundy and uncinato truffles available amidst several other traditional pro- ducts such as oil and wine from over 70 stalls. Besides tastings and authentic recipes, there are also guided tours and truffle hunting demonstrations! Where? Valtopina, Perugia. When? 17, 18, 24 & 25 November 2018. www.tartufoavaltopina.it ---------------------------------------------------------- During September & October, many wine farms (and olive groves) in Italy open for Cantine Aperte (open cellars), where you can harvest, taste and purchase products on site! ~ 63

My Italian Link - Issue #09 My Italian Link Issue #09 | Page 62