Flavours and aromas of Valtellina

The Valtellina is a place for relaxation and good living, not least because of its inviting food and wine. Let's go and discover it

Although it may seem obvious that in Italy you can eat well just about anywhere, it is equally well known that some regions and provinces have more to offer than others in terms of food and wine delicacies for true connoisseurs.

This is true of Valtellina, a land of forests, mountains and amazing views, but also of natural foods that are the result of thepeasant tradition and of well-known red wines that are dry and full-bodied and go well with local dishes, perfectly enhancing their taste.

The region is sheltered from the cold winds from the north and the hot, humid winds from the south thanks to the protection offered by the crown of the Alps, but for many days a year it is bathed in the intense light of the mountain sun.

The microclimate here is particularly favourable for growing vines. The rest is down to the ancient flavours of a cuisine that has stood the test of time and the exquisite local specialities: from Pizzoccheri to Chisciol, from Bitto to Polenta taragna.

If your mouth is already watering and you'd like to find out more, follow us on our discovery tour of the tastiest places in Valtellina.

1. Pizzoccheri — Our eno-gastronomic itinerary starts from Teglio, a village in the heart of Valtellina located in a panoramic and sunny position at an altitude of 900 mt. a.s.l. For over four centuries, Teglio has been growing buckwheat, known as "furmentum", "fraina" or "farina negra", a practice that has now almost disappeared in the rest of Italy.

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2. Bitto — The next stop on our discovery tour of the local flavours and aromas is Morbegno, the main town in the lower Valtellina lying on the Bitto cone and home to the cheese specialty that goes by the same name. A large, semi-hard cooked cheese with a cylindrical shape and straw-yellow rind, Bitto di Morbegno is made by processingraw whole cow's milk twice a day on the spot, immediately after milking, with the addition of no more than 10% of milk from Orobica goats, an animal native to the Val di Gerola.

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3. Chisciol — From Morbegno to Tirano, just a stone's throw from the Swiss border, you can discover one of the most attractive towns in the whole of Valtellina, well worth a visit both for its thriving cultural and recreational outdoor life and for its food and wine delicacies. Here, after a ride along the Sentiero Valtellina, a rafting tour on the Adda river, a trekking excursion or an equally exciting trip on board the Red Train of the Bernina, there is nothing better than to refuel with some of the delicious local specialities.

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4. Wine in Valtellina — It would be a real shame not to accompany the exquisite Valtellina dishes with a good local wine. Dating back to ancient times, the cultivation of vines has shaped the Valtellina landscape, giving life to the unique panorama of terraced vineyards and today boasting productions recognised by prestigious quality marks and world famous.

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5. Bràulio — Our itinerary through the flavours and fragrances of the Valtellina ends in Bormio, a well known mountain tourist resort located in the Stelvio National Park. The production of Bràulio, a legendary bitter aged in enormous Slavonian oak barrels stored in the fascinating cellars beneath the old town centre of Bormio, is closely linked to the history of the place.

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Hunting for truffles, the diamonds of the Lombardy table

From the most prized - the white truffle, to the black summer truffle or Scorzone, the marzuolo, the black Trifola and the black uncinato: also in Lombardy you can find delicious truffles, which are appreciated in restaurants all over the world

Food & Wine

Crotti in Valchiavenna

Discovering the natural cellars formed under the boulders of ancient landslides from which the "sorel" blows

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Bresaola

One of the symbolic products of Valtellina, obtained through the method of preserving meat by salting and drying.

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The cheese

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Lombard Mostarda Recipe

With a strong taste, the mostrada is prepared with fruit, sugar and mustard essence

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Varese Local Products Guide

The typical products with which to prepare the dining table are varied and include all the dishes: from appetizers to desserts

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Panettone recipe

The secret of the preparation of the panettone: one of the typical sweets of the Milanese tradition

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Risotto e rane

Risotto with frogs, a symbolic dish of the Lomellina tradition

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Pizzoccheri Valtellinesi Recipe

They are the symbol of a tradition rich in flavors linked to the land and to the art of cheese making

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What can I eat in Cremona?

The main courses of Cremona’s tradition

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Delicious Bergamo!

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Christmas sweets in Lombardy

Christmas is on its way. The confectionery tradition in Lombardy is rich and varied, and each province has its own typical dessert.

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Cremona Nougat Recipe

It is a variation of the traditional sweet that includes the addition of aromas such as vanillin and candied fruit, which make the mixture softer based on sugar, honey and album

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Campagna Amica, the Sunday markets

In Stradivari Square in Cremona

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The shop of Fattorie Cremona

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The appetizers of the Lombardic tradition

We bring the traditional Lombardic gastronomic culture back to the table, starting with appetizers

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At table, from Cremona to Mantua

Lambrusco and squash tortelli. Mustard and roasted meat. Contrasts and harmonies in traditional flavors to taste

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Tripe a la Milanese Recipe

It is a second course based on meat and is ideal for lovers of ancient flavors

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Mushrooms

Valtellina

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Il Polentone di Retorbido

The beautiful spring festival dedicated to the wise farmer Bertoldo

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