• Food & Wine
    • Mountains

Local specialties in valtellina

A small area of ​​Lombardy with a rich gastronomic tradition

Valtellina is a region rich with high-quality products that are famous all over the world. Their most important products include cheeses (such as Bitto cheese), wine, pizzoccheri pasta, bresaola (dried beef) and bitters.

 

Tradition has it that in the mountain pastures in the summer, the milk is transformed into precious Bitto cheese, while the return of the herds in the valley is linked to the production of the Valtellina Casera once only available in winter, which can now be found throughout the year. Expert shepherds and cheese makers, the Celts, to conserve and transfer the nutritional properties of milk over time, began to produce long-keeping cheeses, and it is likely that the etymology of the name Bitto, deriving from "Bitu", may indicate something that is persistent. Since 1996, these cheeses have been awarded the Protected Designation of Origin: their production technology is defined by the respective disciplines to ensure their unique quality. After they have aged for 70 days, the wheels of cheese are inspected one by one, by the technicians of the Consortium that apply the fire brand of quality.

The first historical evidence attesting to the production of Bresaola dates back to the 15th century. The origin of the name Bresaola can traced to the Germanic word "brasa", meaning embers, since braziers were used in ancient times to heat and dehumidify the air in the aging rooms. The braziers unleashed an aromatic smoke that was obtained by throwing juniper berries and bay leaves on burning coals of fir wood.

Another important delicacy is Pizzoccheri della Valtellina. The earliest origins of this buckwheat pasta can be traced back to 1750 when it was cited in a will. Buckwheat, the main ingredient constituting the heart of the recipe, originally came from Siberia (the cultivation of this crop in Italy is dated around the 15th century, in Teglio). The first crop of furmentun dates back to the 1600s. In terms of red wines, Valtellina is a major producer. The Denomination of Origin (D.O.) of Valtellina boasts 2 DOCG (Sforzato di Valtellina and Valtellina Superiore) 1 DOC (Rosso di Valtellina) and 1 IGT (Terrazze Retiche di Sondrio), with vineyards covering about 800 hectares.

Some of Valtellina's bitters most worthy of mention include braùlio and fruit grappa. Bràulio is a liqueur aperitif, digestive and tonic, with a pleasantly bitter taste and moderate alcohol content (21 %). Its main ingredients are herbs and medicinal plants, fruits, roots and wild berries, collected in the mountains surrounding Bormio, the pristine environment of the Stelvio National Park. Grappa, on the other hand, is made with characteristic flavours including blueberries, wild strawberries and raspberries.

Take me here: Local specialties in valtellina

On the same topic

Malfatti: a culinary delight from the Oltrepò Pavese

Piatto della tradizione contadina dell’Oltrepò Pavese
  • Food & Wine
Malfatti: a culinary delight from the Oltrepò Pavese

At table with traditional Lombardy food recycling recipes

Traditional Lombardy cuisine recipes using leftover bread, meat, cheeses and vegetables - transforming them into tasty new dishes.
  • Food & Wine
At table with traditional Lombardy food recycling recipes

Andiamo a Tavola

33° Edition - Eating in Cremona and province
  • Food & Wine
Andiamo a Tavola

Wine and Flavor Trail Franciacorta

Among rows of vines with perfect geometries that cross small villages rich in history, traditions, farms, cellars and signs of human activity: discover Franciacorta
  • Food & Wine
Wine and Flavor Trail Franciacorta,

Flavors on the lakes: Como and Varese

Lakes and mountains. Tasty dishes, heritage of rural culture
  • Food & Wine
Flavors on the lakes: Como and Varese

Tasting your way around Monza and Brianza

Wild garlic pesto, pink asparagus from Mezzago, white potatoes from Oreno: discover all the local flavours of Monza e Brianza.
  • Food & Wine
Tasting your way around Monza and Brianza

Eating in Val Sabbia

The authentic taste of Val Sabbian cuisine
  • Food & Wine
Spiedo bresciano

Eating at Lake Iseo

Between fish and good wine
  • Food & Wine
Dried Sardines: eat them with Polenta

Milanese risotto recipe

One of the most typical and well-known dishes in Milan
  • Food & Wine
Milanese risotto recipe, simple and tasty

Brasadè di Staghiglione

Il Brasadè, ciambelline d’origine ottocentesca
  • Food & Wine
Brasadé di Staghiglione

Oltrepò Pavese

Good food, excellent wine, medieval villages. The Oltrepò Pavese surprises and conquers with its charm.
  • Food & Wine
Oltrepò Pavese, a borderland triangle

What to eat in Cremona and the surrounding area

Typical dishes you should try in the Cremona area
  • Food & Wine
Cosa mangiare a Cremona e dintorni

Eating Lombardy

Lombardy shows its excellence with the unique and traditional flavors of each single territory, but it is also international cuisine
  • Food & Wine
Suggestions for eating in Lombardy: restaurants, international and local dishes

The Truffle of Oltrepò Pavese

  • Food & Wine
The Truffle of Oltrepò Pavese

Eating in Como

Here are some suggestions of what to eat in Como
  • Food & Wine
Eating in Como, 3 culinary worlds and 5 different restaurants

Discover Lodi with traditional cuisine and produce

Chef Simone Virtuani and his secrets to making the perfect risotto
  • Food & Wine
Discover Lodi with traditional cuisine and produce

Risotto e rane

Risotto with frogs, a symbolic dish of the Lomellina tradition
  • Food & Wine
Risotto e rane

Bresaola

One of the symbolic products of Valtellina, obtained through the method of preserving meat by salting and drying.
  • Food & Wine
Bresaola

Culinary Ideas for Winter

Six gastronomic ideas to enjoy the typical traditional flavours of Lombardy, with convivial recipes and delicious tasting experiences
  • Food & Wine
Culinary Ideas for Winter

Autumn aromas and flavours

A journey through the authentic local flavours and products that reflect the traditions of Lombardy - from land to table
  • Food & Wine
Autumn aromas and flavours