Bred Bite: Piemonte
Get lost down the rabbit hole in an enchanting land of rolling green hills, misty mountaintops and the sweet surrender of tranquility. Have you reached the Elysian Fields? Almost, you’re in Piemonte.
Piemonte’s natural wonder can only be matched by its sumptuous cuisine. It is a feast for the eyes and the stomach. The Piemontese, deeply rooted in a tradition of fine living and slow food, greet each traveler with generous warmth – smiles that grab you like a cozy hug and the type of charm that can only develop from generations of contentment.
The birthplace of both unified Italy and the global Slow Food movement, Piemonte’s industrious spirit has always been tempered by its philosophy that simple but high quality is best. Whether it’s a velvety Dolcetto d’Alba or satisfying ribbons of tajarin con tartufo bianco, Piemonte will leave you no choice but to give in to its calming allure. And of course if you’re still not convinced that slow is better, just bite into the silky richness of a gianduja chocolate and you’ll become a believer.
COUNTRYBRED SLICES ON PIEMONTE:
- On March 17, 1861 Torino became the capital of the newly unified Italy under king Vittorio Emanuele II.
- FIAT (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino) was founded in Torino in 1899.
- The Lingotto, seat of FIAT’s monolithic empire for 59 years, was featured in the getaway scene from the 1969 film The Italian Job, hosted the 2006 Winter Olympic speed skating competition, and now houses the Agnelli family art collection, which includes master works by Picasso, Matisse and Balla.
- The Lingotto was redesigned by famed architect Renzo Piano in 1989 and now serves as not only an important civic space, but an example of Piano’s interpretation of modern industrial splendor.
- 41% of the Piemonte region is covered by mountains, while also home to two of Italy’s most beautiful lakes: Lago Maggiore and Lago D’Orta.
- Arguably, Piemonte produces some of Italy’s best red wines in its Monferrato and Langhe areas, including Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera D’Asti, Dolcetto D’Alba, Brachetto d’Acqui, Gattinara and Asti Spumante.
- The region’s typical dishes include vitello tonato (veal with tuna sauce), bagna caoda, tajarin con tartufo (fresh pasta with white truffle) and brasato di Barolo.
- Piemonte is also prized for its gianduja chocolates, premium hazelnuts and Robiola di Roccaverano artisinal cheese.
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