Checking the Parmegano

Image 1 of 1

Checking the Parmegano

Gourmet Emilia-Romagna

18 - 21 October 2008

Parma ham, vintage balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano.... these are just some of the famous culinary delights of Northern Italy which we will be savouring on this interesting tour.

Emilia Romagna claims to be the culinary heartland of Italy and we are staying in the lovely town of Reggio Emilia to discover the gourmet specialities of the region. In the famous cookery book of Pellegrino Artusi in 1891, he states, “Make a deep bow when you meet Bolognese cooking: it deserves it”.
We begin in Modena, the birthplace of Pavarotti and home to balsamic vinegar - ‘aceto balsamico’. Here we visit a producer, not of the ‘commercial’ vinegar which is but a pale imitation of the real elixir that is aged for a minimum of 12 years and up to 100 years in wooden barrels.

The wines of the region will certainly surprise you and any preconceptions you may have based on the infamous industrial lambrusco will be dispelled. We will taste the proper lambrusco such as Grasparossa di Castelvetro, which is full of jammy bitter cherry fruit and is ideally suited to the regional cuisine. As well as the local grape varieties of Pignoletto and Pagadebiti, (which are pretty obscure), the most widespread variety is Sangiovese, although Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco all make an appearance too. Our visit to one of the leading Lambrusco estate producers will then, be a revelation.

One morning we visit one of the best cheese farms around Reggio to watch the fascinating process that makes the revered true ‘parmesan’ - Parmigiano Reggiano. We continue to a producer of Parma ham, to understand more of this highly prized, sweetly flavoured ham, which we will enjoy over lunch.
After lunch there is time to explore the truly beautiful town of Parma. Our wine visits are to the ever welcoming Vallania Family at Vigneti di Terre Rosse who host an informal family style lunch in their home. This is the best wine estate in the Bolognese hills, and probably the whole region. Their organic wines from the classic international varieties are quite outstanding. On the last day following a visit to the food market of Bologna we conclude with a tasting lunch at family estate of Tizzano.

This is a wonderful tour to explore some of the attractive towns along the Via Emilia and experience the gourmet specialities of this region. There is the possibility to extend in Bologna or to join ‘Gourmet Piemonte’ which is shortly after this tour.