The basket of typical products is decidedly varied: red and white wines, peaches, strawberries, pears from Madernassa, hazelnuts from Piedmont and chestnuts. And then the humped tench, asparagus, meats and the most representative element of the kitchen: the white truffle, which here is the last of the season but the first of the year. It is sought and collected in fact during the first weeks of the new year.
The millenary fortresses where fossils are still found today and which evoke the ancient presence of the sea are the DNA of Roero. Here, between castles and typicality, between past and present, you can enjoy a cuisine that tastes of wine and that frequents rows and cellars, a table capable of presenting a strong personality, rich in completely original flavors, colors and aromas. But a great cuisine must be accompanied by great wines and this is another element that is not lacking.
There are many Roero cellars 4 of which we find them in the Municipality of Montaldo Roero. Montaldo is a delightful town with a population density that does not exceed 900 units. A town spread over two green hills enriched by vineyards, woods and hazelnut groves. A small town ideal for those who love walking, tranquility, clean air and fireflies, the starry sky and feeling good at the table.
The 4 cellars of Montaldo Roero are small family realities that produce the typical wines of this land such as Roero, Arneis, Favorita, Barbera and deserve to be mentioned.
For chivalry we start with a lady, Ilaria Bertello and her family. We know them as Cascina Ciapat, a curious name that derives from the Ciappetto bricco. Ilaria, a mother for less than a year, represents the fourth generation, the great-grandfather Giacomo, the grandfather Antonio, the father Giacomo, the uncle Piero and his brother Luca. In the farmhouse 15 hectares of vineyards are worked, a part of the grapes is sold and another vinified for a production of about 20 thousand bottles. Among their wines stand out the Roero DOCG, and the Arneis DOCG. The history of the company dates back to 1890 and is located in the hamlet of San Rocco.
A few meters away, still in San Rocco, the cheerful smile of Giovanni Frea with his brother Lorenzo. Despite being a company handed down for generations, it experienced an important turning point in 2002 and since that date the growth has been constant. Favorable soils and climatic conditions, but also technological investments and a lot of passion in the production of their wines. Nebbiolo, Arneis, Favorita, Barbera just to name a few.
In San Giacomo di Montaldo, another hamlet, the nice and kind Giuseppe Parussa, in Cascina Foetto, produces about 10 thousand bottles a year working 3 hectares of vineyards. Beppe is a great-grandson, nephew and son of men who have always made wine and consequently he learned from his father. The family is originally from the Cagnola hamlet and it cannot be ruled out that it has its roots in the distant 1200s. Langhe Arneis, Langhe Roero and then Barbera, Nebbiolo are all typical wines with a declared territorial identity.
In the capital, in Montaldo, two young people: Giorgio and Edoardo Musso. Montaldesi DOC, Montaldo's grandparents and parents therefore 100% true. They produce few bottles, much of the harvested grapes are in fact sold to other production companies, but there are various references. For example, the classic wines already mentioned for the other 3 but expressed with an operational philosophy that perfectly combines respect for peasant traditions combined with modern thinking. The company is located in the historic center of the town and in addition to wine it is also active in the production of hazelnuts and honey.
We do not mention all the wines produced in Montaldo Roero but we guarantee that the range is very wide and very interesting. Get to know them and taste them, perhaps during a stay in the area, staying in one of the accommodation facilities in the town, because good wine is produced here too.
And the bridge? It is an architectural structure built at the beginning of the 30s that towards the decline of the 90s, thanks to an idea of Prof. Luciano Bertello, was embellished with the mention: Ponte dei Sapori. A bridge that unites, binds and embraces the depth of the landscape soul with the work of man, sweat, traditions and the new that advances.
A chain with a fascinating history that will be replicated this year at the end of August. The Bridge will once again be transformed into a large hall with tables set under the stars of the Roero, surrounded by the wonderful landscape that for the occasion will emanate all its magic.
Covid restrictions at the moment will limit seating, but it will still be a beautiful evening delighted by the flavors and wines of the earth. The candlelit appointment is scheduled for Saturday 28 August and interested parties are advised to book quickly. The Ponte dei Sapori is part of the 3 days of the Montaldo Roero Festival.
Territory, wines and sharing a carefree moment. We are waiting for you in Montaldo Roero.
Find out more about the event program and how to book here:
www.ideaturismomontaldoroero.it
